Democrats ask Haley to waive confidentiality

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Democrats are calling on South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley to make public any ethics complaint that may be filed against her in a legislative committee.

Democrats said Tuesday the Republican governor should let the public know if an investigation is under way. Her spokesman countered she’ll do so only if the House opens up all ethics complaints past and future.

State law bars release of information on an ethics complaint, including whether one exists, unless the person waives confidentiality.

Last week, a circuit court judge dismissed a lawsuit accusing Haley of breaking ethics laws while she was a legislator, saying such issues should be handled by either state ethics officials or a legislative panel.

The House Ethics Committee would handle a complaint against Haley involving her time in the House.