Haley to say ‘New South’ can lead nation in race relations

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley will tell the National Press Club that the “New South” can lead the nation in race relations and racial advancement.

Haley is scheduled to give a speech titled “Lessons from the New South” on Wednesday in Washington. It comes amid speculation she will be in contention next year as a running mate for the Republican presidential nominee.

Her national profile has risen since she called for the Confederate flag’s removal from Statehouse grounds, prompted by the massacre of nine parishioners in a historic black church in Charleston. The flag came down less than three weeks later.

According to excerpts of her address, Haley will say residents’ nonviolent reaction to this summer’s racially charged events showed the world that South Carolina is not racially intolerant.