Nikki Haley

A Taxpayer Champion

Friends,

Our momentum continues to grow. In last week’s debate, I was the only candidate for governor who stayed true to the conservative principles like fiscal responsibility, transparency, and accountability that can restore our faith in government.

This winning message has clearly gotten the attention of the career politicians. Over the weekend, a supposed “grassroots” email was blasted out to some Republican voters in an attempt to distort my record. While anonymous attacks from made up names and email addresses are cowardly, I will proudly compare my record on government spending with any other candidate.

For example, South Carolina Club for Growth, one of our state’s strongest taxpayer-watchdog groups, recently named me a “Taxpayer Champion” for earning an “A” grade on their 2009 legislative scorecard. I’m proud to be a legislator who has consistently protected you, the taxpayer, in Columbia.

That’s why SC Club for Growth has awarded me an “A” grade every year I’ve been in the legislature. In fact, out of the 124 House members, I have the Club for Growth’s number one fiscal conservative ranking over the past five years. You can expect more of the same from me as your governor.

Regarding the scorecard, Dr. Bauer Vaughters of Aiken, an SC Club for Growth board member, said:

“SC Club for Growth’s legislative scorecards truly let taxpayers know who is standing up for them in Columbia. Nikki Haley has consistently done just that. From voting against Obama’s bailouts to pushing for more transparency through on the record voting, Nikki’s consistent “A” ratings are proof of her willingness to fight for long overdue government reforms.”

I wholeheartedly agree. In particular, I was proud to cast scored votes:

- AGAINST using federal stimulus dollars to pay for an unsustainable and irresponsible state budget.

- ENDING taxpayer-funded lobbyists in state government, who use your tax dollars to lobby for even more tax dollars.

- BANNING the use of taxpayer dollars on often politically motivated television ads featuring constitutional officers like the governor, lieutenant governor and treasurer.

- REQUIRING the state’s $20 billion budget to be publicly available for at least 24 hours before legislators can vote on it.

In naming me a “Taxpayer Champion,” I believe SC Club for Growth sees what our fantastic supporters already see - that real leadership isn’t bailouts, catchy slogans, or creating media firestorms. Our campaign is about having the vision, experience, and principles to lead South Carolina to a brighter future.

Please forward my email to your friends and family. We need their support in our efforts to make South Carolina a better place to live, work, and raise a family. As always, I am grateful for your support, appreciate your feedback, and will continue to work hard for all of South Carolina.

My very best,

Nikki

P.S. – You can further show your support for our message by requesting a bumper sticker, signing up to volunteer, or contributing to our campaign. Thank you for all of your support!

Highlights from the Charleston Debate

Friends,

I hope that you enjoyed last night’s debate as much as I did! It was a pleasure to discuss the important issues facing our state and Charleston provided the perfect forum.

I am proud to be the only candidate on the stage last night who stayed true to the conservative principles that can restore fiscal responsibility, transparency and accountability in Columbia. We must never allow political pressures from Washington to dictate how we run South Carolina and I am the only candidate for governor who showed that last night.

I talked about the necessity of fixing education by streamlining the funding formula, encouraging small business by restructuring the tax system, cutting wasteful spending and preventing Washington bailout money from plaguing our state. Please watch these highlights from the debate here:

As we continue the campaign in the coming weeks, it is important that you continue spreading our message of reform throughout the state. Contacting your friends and neighbors on my behalf and contributing to my campaign will have an enormous impact on this election and ultimately who becomes the next governor of South Carolina. You can contribute here.

Please send this video clip from last night’s debate to your entire friend list. By spreading our message we can show the nation that reform begins in South Carolina. You can watch the debate in its entirety here.

As always, I am grateful for your support and will continue to stand tall for all of South Carolina.

My very best,

Nikki

P.S. – You can further show your support for our message by requesting a bumper sticker, signing up to volunteer, or contributing to our campaign. Thank you!