On May 14, Sarah Palin appeared alongside Nikki Haley in South Carolina. A longer clip of Sarah's speech has been posted by Nikki Haley's campaign HERE. A short campaign clip has also been published:
But there is trouble in paradise.
But there is trouble in paradise.
Some "dirty secrets" have been revealed. Will Folks, a conservative blogger, claimed that he an affair with Nikki Haley a few years ago.
Will Folks is the editor of www.fitsnews.com - a website most of you probably have never heard of. I certainly hadn't. It's a conservative blog with the humouros self-description: "Unfair. Imbalanced."
The story of the affair is quite complex, but is being unveiled in greater detail on Will Folks website. "Fitsnews" have published several posts - you can find them HERE in an overview.
It started with a long post by Will Folks on May 24 with the fitting title: "Letting the Chips Fall", which was not a blog post, but more a personal statement by Will Folks:
Will Folks wrote (excerpt):
"In recent weeks, however, a group of political operatives has attempted to do just that. In fact, on a very personal level I have become the primary target of a group that will apparently stop at nothing to destroy the one S.C. gubernatorial candidate who, in my opinion, would most consistently advance the ideals I believe in. For those of you unfamiliar with the editorial bent of this website, the candidate I am referring to is S.C. Rep. Nikki Haley.
This network of operatives has made it abundantly clear that in the process of “taking down” Rep. Haley, they will also stop at nothing to humiliate me, destroy my family and take a sizable chunk out of the credibility this website has managed to amass for itself. Such is the blood sport of S.C. politics, I suppose – particularly in the wake of the scandal that consumed my former boss, Gov. Mark Sanford.
Specifically, within the last forty-eight hours several pieces of information which purportedly document a prior physical relationship between myself and Rep. Haley have begun to be leaked slowly, piece by piece, to members of the mainstream media. I am told that at least one story based upon this information will be published this week. Watching all of this unfold, I have become convinced that the gradual release of this information is deliberately designed to advance this story in the press while simultaneously forcing either evasive answers or denials on my part or on Nikki’s part.
I refuse to play that game. I refuse to have someone hold the political equivalent of a switch-blade in front of my face and just sit there and watch as they cut me to pieces.
The truth in this case is what it is. Several years ago, prior to my marriage, I had an inappropriate physical relationship with Nikki.
That’s it.
I will not be discussing the details of that relationship, nor will I be granting any additional interviews about it to members of the media beyond what I have already been compelled to confirm."Here is a picture which shows the two main protagonists, Will Folks and Nikki Haley - together with Mark Sandford, who famously once hiked the Appalachian trail (picture taken in 2007, following a fundraiser for Nikki Haley):
Mark Sandford, Will Folks, Nikki Haley
This reveation by Will Folks caused a political firestorm.
But who was one of the first to make a forceful rebuttal of these claims? A woman who was not involved in this affair at all: Sarah Palin.
Apparently Sarah thought that her extensive experience in (quite successfully) covering up and denying her own numerous personal scandals would qualify her to lead the fight against the smears, and therefore she immediatlely published on the same day, May 24, a fierce response defending Nikki Haley on facebook:
"Well, whaddya know? South Carolina’s conservative candidate, Nikki Haley, recently zipped to the front of the line in her state’s race for governor; and lo and behold, now accusations of an affair surface.According to Sarah Palin, it's the usual suspects: The "corrupt political machine", the "liberal rags" and the "lamestream media."
Nikki categorically denies the accusation that was spewed out there by a political blogger who has the gall to throw the stone, but then quickly duck and hide and proclaim he would not comment further on the issue. Quite convenient.
When Nikki and I held her endorsement rally on the steps of the beautiful and historic South Carolina state house a few weeks ago, I warned her and her family that she would be targeted because she’s a threat to a corrupt political machine, and she would be put through some hell. That, unfortunately, is the nature of the beast in politics today – especially for conservative “underdog” candidates who surge in the polls and threaten to shake things up so government can be put back on the side of the people.
South Carolina: don’t let some blogger make any accusation against your Nikki if the guy doesn’t even have the guts or the integrity to speak further on such a significant claim. And don’t believe anything a liberal rag claims or suggests unless the reporter involved has the integrity and the facts to report to you so you can make up your own mind. For traditional media to rely on an accusation via some blog entry is almost laughable, but I know the seriousness of it because that’s exactly what my family and colleagues have had to put up with, every single day, for the past couple of years.
As I said to Nikki this morning, “Hang in there. I’ve been there. Any lies told about you will strengthen your resolve to clean up political and media corruption. You and your supporters will grow stronger through things like this.”
Reaching her from Wasilla, I then joked with Nikki that I was calling her from one of the many locations the lamestream media claims I moved to. (Let’s see, I think the last I heard I was living in the Hamptons, or was it Montana? No, supposedly L.A. is where they claim I moved when I “left Todd” in their idiotic reports.)
South Carolina friends, don’t let ‘em just make things up.
- Sarah Palin"
However, the problem is: It ain't that easy, Sarah. It appears that Sarah Palin possibly couldn't imagine that Will Folks had evidence, especially documentary evidence in his possession - the type of evidence which could prompt the MSM to investigate the scandal.
On the same day, Nikki Haley also swiftly issued a statement, denying the allegations:
Haley Releases Statement On False Allegations
Contact: Tim Pearson
803-767-8943
tim@nikkihaley.com
(Columbia, SC) – Today, in response to the allegations made by a South Carolina blogger, Representative Nikki Haley released the following statement:
“I have been 100% faithful to my husband throughout our 13 years of marriage. This claim against me is categorically and totally false.”
“It is sad, but not surprising, that this disgraceful smear has taken form less than a week removed from the release of a poll showing our campaign with a significant lead. It is quite simply South Carolina politics at its worst.”
“These attacks – and those sure to follow – are an effort at distraction, but I will keep my focus on what matters, and that is delivering South Carolina’s government back to our people. That’s a fight I have fought for the last five years.
That’s why I entered this race for Governor. And that’s what I will continue to do, despite any outrageous and false claims that are thrown at me.”
100% faithful?
Well, let's see.
Faced with these strong denials, Will Folks came under huge pressure - his credibilty and also ultimately his livelihood was (and still is) at stake.
Following these attacks, www.fitsnews.com released in a very clever, honest and transparent way more information and evidence during the following days, fighting to maintain their credibility. A pretty clear picture is slowly emerging, and it doesn't look good for Nikki Haley - and Sarah Palin.
Some of the posts which followed on www.fitsnews.com were:
Free Times Confirms It Was Working On Haley Affair Story
Cell, Email Records Could Solve “Haley-gate”
The Curious Libel Law Of Haley V. Folks
Clearing The Air
Then, the first bombshell was dropped. In a post appropriately titled "Haley-Gate: The Storm Before The Storm", fitsnews released a whole pack of SMS messages, exchanged between Will Folks and:
Free Times Confirms It Was Working On Haley Affair Story
Cell, Email Records Could Solve “Haley-gate”
The Curious Libel Law Of Haley V. Folks
Clearing The Air
Then, the first bombshell was dropped. In a post appropriately titled "Haley-Gate: The Storm Before The Storm", fitsnews released a whole pack of SMS messages, exchanged between Will Folks and:
- Tim Pearson, Nikki Haley's campaign manager
- AP-reporter Jim Davenport
- Wes Donehue, a Republican political consultant whose role in this scandal still isn't 100% clear (LINK to Wes Donehue's blog)
These text messages are revealing indeed - excerpts:
—— SMS ——
From: Wes Donehue
To: Will Folks
Sent: May 13, 2010 2:55 PM
I just don’t know who has told more people, you or Nikki.
—— SMS ——
From: Will Folks
To: Tim Pearson
Sent: May 13, 2010 3:21 PM
I am getting a lot of buzz about the me/nikki rumor today. Word is donehue is behind it.
—— SMS ——
From: Tim Pearson
To: Will Folks
Sent: May 13, 2010 3:26 PM
I am too. Free times apparently called some legislators. Assuming it’s hutchins.
—— SMS ——
From: Tim Pearson
To: Will Folks
Sent: May 13, 2010 3:29 PM
Can you fuck donehue up?
—— SMS ——
From: Wes Donehue
To: Will Folks
Sent: May 13, 2010 5:01 PM
Here my promise to you, man to man. If you tell me that a story will fuck up your marriage, I’ll do everything in my power to kill it.
—— SMS ——
From: Tim Pearson
To: Will Folks
Sent: May 13, 2010 5:33 PM
Sorry – took longer than I thought. What are you hearing?
—— SMS ——
From: Will Folks
To: Tim Pearson
Sent: May 13, 2010 5:54 PM
Free times
—— SMS ——
From: Wes Donehue
To: Will Folks
Sent: May 14, 2010 10:20 AM
We need to talk.
—— SMS ——
From Will Folks
To: Wes Donehue
Sent: May 14, 2010 10:24 AM
You’ve already rolled the dice.
—— SMS ——
From: Wes Donehue
To: Will Folks
Sent: May 14, 2010 10:25 AM
Actually, I haven’t.
—— SMS ——
From: Wes Donehue
To: Will Folks
Sent: May 14, 2010 10:36 AM
Now, I don’t give a fuck of you believe me or not. Your the one who screwed her. You’re the one who bragged about it. She’s the one who told BJ. Yall point fingers at your own damn selves and leave me the fuck out of it.
—— SMS ——
From: Wes Donehue
To: Will Folks
Sent: May 14, 2010 11:50 AM
I’m going to try to kill it. You need to get BJ to back down. Nothing good will come of this getting out. I’ve already helped bust up one family. No need to take down another one.
—— SMS ——
From: Wes Donehue
To: Will Folks
Sent: May 14, 2010 12:28 PM
I didn’t start this. I just told too many people that it was happening.
—— SMS ——
From: Tim Pearson
To: Will Folks
Sent: May 14, 2010 1:05 PM
Tks for your help this am.
—— SMS ——
From: Will Folks
To: Tim Pearson
Sent: May 14, 2010 1:11 PM
Subject: Sure.
Sure. I still think he ends up running something
—— SMS ——
From: Tim Pearson
To: Will Folks
Sent: May 14, 2010 1:12 PM
Really … Interesting.
—— SMS ——
From: Will Folks
To: Tim Pearson
Sent: May 14, 2010 1:20 PM
Word I hear is that wes is shopping an affidavit
—— SMS ——
From: Tim Pearson
To: Will Folks
Sent: May 14, 2010 1:21 PM
Ah. My initial thought is if it aint from you or nh then its a tough sell
—— SMS ——
From: Will Folks
To: Tim Pearson
Sent: May 14, 2010 1:40 PM
Mine too … But …
—— SMS ——
From: Tim Pearson
To: Will Folks
Sent: May 14, 2010 2:39 PM
Hearing hutchens will be at statehouse and trying to ask nh the question. Just a heads up if you’re there.
—— SMS ——
From: Jim Davenport
To: Will Folks
Sent: May 14, 2010 7:31 PM
What is this stuff about ur having an affair with Nikki Haley?
Jim Davenport-AP_ 803-917-9562
—— SMS ——
From: Will Folks
To: Jim Davenport
Sent: May 14, 2010 7:32 PM
?
—— SMS ——
From: Jim Davenport
To: Will Folks
Sent: May 14, 2010 7:33 PM
Call. Talk.
—— SMS ——
From: Will Folks
To: Jim Davenport
Sent: May 14, 2010 7:39 PM
Can’t talk right now. You are not writing on this are you?
—— SMS ——
From: Jim Davenport
To: Will Folks
Sent: May 14, 2010 7:40 PM
Supposedly someone is. Just chasing tip.
—— SMS ——
From: Will Folks
To: Tim Pearson
Sent: May 14, 2010 7:37 PM
Davenport is texting me asking about this now. WTF? Did something happen at Palin event?
—— SMS ——
From: Will Folks
To: Tim Pearson
Sent: May 15, 2010 11:58 AM
Davenport calling again.
—— SMS ——
From: Tim Pearson
To: Will Folks
Sent: May 15, 2010 2:10 PM
Ok. Keep me posted.
—— SMS ——
From: Tim Pearson
To: Will Folks
Sent: May 15, 2010 2:20 PM
What you thinking?
—— SMS ——
From: Will Folks
To: Tim Pearson
Sent: May 15, 2010 2:48 PM
His mssg said “you know why I am calling”
—— SMS ——
From: Tim Pearson
To: Will Folks
Sent: May 15, 2010 2:57 PM
I think we both deny it. I think an affadavit is something we can beat down. Legally and politically.
—— SMS ——
From: Tim Pearson
To: Will Folks
Sent: May 15, 2010 2:58 PM
I’m telling you man, we keep this under wraps and nh is going to win.
+++
It has been confirmed that these text messages are authentic:
Since the texts include Haley’s campaign manager, they contradict her earlier statements that the campaign was unaware the story was going to break.In the same article and the news clip, Wes Donehue also makes it clear through his remarks he made to the reporter who "ambushed" him that the text messages are authentic.
Nikki Haley nor her campaign manager, Mr. Pearson would comment.
Haley’s campaign manager confirmed to CNN that the text messages are authentic.
+++
OK...well, for the people who think that this is not compelling enough, fitsnews published more evidence during the following days:
Witnesses, Evidence Mounting Against Haley:
By FITSNews || For a campaign employee she claims to have barely known, S.C. Rep. Nikki Haley certainly paid plenty of late night visits to our founding editor’s town house in early 2007.
In fact, multiple witnesses are coming forward to say that they saw Haley’s white Cadillac SUV – identified by a Haley campaign sticker and State Legislator licenses plate – outside of Will Folks’ downtown Columbia, S.C. town house at all hours of the day and night during the time period that Folks’ alleges he and Haley had an “inappropriate physical relationship.”
One of these witnesses even preemptively contacted Folks on the day the story broke in an effort to distance himself from the pressure that was being exerted on the blogger by Haley’s enemies.
Another witness who walked by Folks’ town house every night during early 2007 on his way home from work claims to have seen Haley’s car parked there on multiple occasions late at night.
It is expected that both witnesses – whose names are being protected for fear of retaliation – will testify to what they saw, along with numerous other witnesses who were aware of the relationship at the time and can provide details of what they saw.
Additionally, in early 2009 Folks now acknowledges being confronted with a photograph of himself and Haley in what he calls a “compromising position.” The photograph was allegedly taken by a private investigator hired to uncover dirt on him, not Haley.
“They were looking for dirt on you,” a source familiar with the photo tells FITS.
“What they got was you and her.”
Just as he did with the information he was receiving prior to this scandal breaking, Folks contacted Haley to warn her about the existence of the photograph.
“I pray you escape all this,” Folks wrote Haley in an email message in mid-March of 2009.
Haley wrote back encouraging Folks and apologizing for the situation.
“Stay strong. Have faith,” Haley replied to Folks. “I’m sorry for any pain you are having to go through. You will be ok and better for it.”
By FITSNews || S.C. Rep. Nikki Haley and FITSNews’ editor Will Folks exchanged over 700 phone calls during the past three years – most of them during the time that Folks admitted engaging in an “inappropriate physical relationship” with the front-running Republican gubernatorial candidate.
Folks released nearly 1,000 pages of phone records to local reporters on Thursday, without comment.
On its own, the massive volume of calls doesn’t prove that an affair took place – particularly seeing as Folks worked with Haley for a brief time during some of the high frequency calling periods. In fact, as Haley campaign manager Tim Pearson told The (Columbia, S.C.) State newspaper Thursday, “of course they spoke on the phone.”
But what’s raising eyebrows across the state isn’t necessarily the number of phone calls (although more than 700 calls seems like an awfully high number given Haley’s recent claim that she “barely knew” Folks), it is the time – and the length – of dozens of late night calls.Read the list of the phone calls HERE.
+++
On May 27, Nikki Haley made a move which seems to be just right out of Sarah Palin's "The Art of Denial" textbook. Haley refused to release the telephone and email records which could clear up the allegations and exonerate her:
Nikki Haley said it’s not worth her time and energy — or the state’s tax dollars — to release phone or e-mail records between her and a blogger who has claimed the two had an inappropriate physical relationship …
“I am not wasting any energy on this — none,” Haley said when asked if she would respond voluntary to a request by The Post and Courier for the release of her phone and e-mail records on her state- and campaign-funded accounts.
“If y’all have asked for them, I don’t know about that yet. But I can tell you this right now: I am not wasting any energy on this. It is not worth the time and money of people in this state and it’s not worth the time and energy to get distracted off of this campaign.”
Nikki Haley allegedly strongly supports government transparency - well, this doesn't seem to apply when she herself is the one under scrutiny!
+++
Then something happened which would also bringing somebody like Sarah Palin down within approximately 48 hours, if it ever took place: The media picked up the story and started to ask inconvenient questions.
A local news channel did what journalists are supposed to do in this situation - GO OUT AND ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS:
That's how you expose the "Sanfraudians"!
Unfortunately, in Alaska, no one has asked any inconvenient questions in public so far.
Too bad! Because apart from frantic denials, Sarah Palin has no other defense regarding her various personal scandals. Her strategy worked in Alaska - in other parts of America, however, journalistic courage apparently still exists.
+++
Please visit the progressive SC blog "Indigojournal" for more background info about Haley, Folks and Donehue.
+++
UPDATE - The "second affair"
Huffington Post is on top of this one:
Nikki Haley now has chosen the worst possible defense strategy. Chance of success: 0%
Huffington Post again:
Lobbyist Larry Marchant, who on Wednesday became the second man to claim he had an affair with South Carolina Republican gubernatorial hopeful Nikki Haley, is dishing details on his alleged one-night stand with the candidate.That's the guy - it doesn't look to me that he is lying:
"I had an inappropriate physical relationship with Nikki Haley," Marchant explains in an interview with WCBD in Charleston. "We had gone to dinner, I had some drinks, and things happened and that was it. It was one time and one time only... I spent the night with Ms. Haley and we had sexual relations, we had sex."
Marchant added: "I know in my heart what happened, and she's knows in her heart what happened.
Nikki Haley now has chosen the worst possible defense strategy. Chance of success: 0%
Huffington Post again:
"I have been so clear with this up front, I don't know how more clear I can be. I have been absolutely faithful to my husband for 13 years, no there is nothing," Haley said in an interview with the Columbia radio station WVOC.
Haley added: "It is this kind of South Carolina dirty politics, that has to stop, the people of this state deserve more."
WVOC radio host Keven Cohen asked Haley if she were elected whether she would leave office if the affair allegations are ever proven true.
"If something were to come out that validates the claims against you in terms of stepping out on your husband, on your marriage," Cohen asked, "would you resign as governor?"
"Yes," Haley said.
Cohen followed up: "Yes you would resign?"
"Yes," the GOP contender said.
+++
NEW CLIP - Nikki Haley denies everything:
+++
NEW CLIP - Nikki Haley denies everything:
+++
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