SC Democratic chairman blasts Gov. Haley’s hiring

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The chairman of South Carolina’s Democratic Party accuses Gov. Nikki Haley of paying excessive salaries to young, inexperienced political hires while longtime state employees are being laid off.

Democratic leader Dick Harpootlian says Haley was supposed to change the good ol’ boy system.

The governor responded Tuesday that she doesn’t have time to acknowledge the ranting of Democrats. She says Democrats complain while she works, and her staff’s accomplishments can be seen through job announcements and budget savings.

Haley spokesman Rob Godfrey called Harpootlian’s news conference tone deaf on a day the state is preparing for Hurricane Irene.

Harpootlian singled out six people who worked last year on Republican campaigns and now make an average of more than $77,000. Three work for Haley, while three work for other statewide officers.