Ethics panel clears S.C. Gov. Haley of charges

COLUMBIA, S.C.-- Gov. Nikki Haley has been cleared of charges she violated ethics laws while a member of the South Carolina House.

The House Ethics Committee voted 5-1 Wednesday to dismiss all charges against the governor, following a review that began in March.

The panel said there was enough reason to look into the allegations, making them public. But committee members said there is not enough evidence to warrant a hearing on whether Haley violated ethics rules when she represented Lexington County in the House.

They directed staff attorneys to define consulting for a future House rule.

The complaint stems from a lawsuit by GOP activist John Rainey accusing Haley of violating ethics rules. A Circuit Court judge dismissed the lawsuit in March, saying such ethics issues are not a judicial matter.