Columbia, SC - According to a new poll gubernatorial candidate Nikki Haley hasn't suffered any damage in the minds of voters despite accusations of multiple extramarital affairs.
A new Public Policy Polling survey shows Haley is headed for a first place finish in Tuesday's Republican primary for South Carolina governor.
Haley has a 20-point lead, garnering 43 percent of the vote from the potential voters surveyed. Gresham Barrett settles into second with 23 percent, followed by Henry McMaster at 16 percent and Andre Bauer at 12 percent.
The poll shows Haley has gained several percentage points over the last two weeks despite allegations by political blogger Will Folks and lobbyist Larry Marchant. In late May, Folks claimed he had an "inappropriate physical relationship" with Haley. Then last week, Marchant alleged he had a one-night-stand with Nikki Haley in 2008 during a conference in Utah. Neither man has provided proof to back up their claims.
The Public Policy Polling poll also shows only a small percentage of voters believe the allegations. Only 13 percent of those surveyed say they think the claims are legitimate. However, more than 40 percent of the voters surveyed say Haley should drop out of the race if it was proven Haley has engaged in martial infidelities.
WACH FOX News has offered both Will Folks and Larry Marchant the opportunity to take a polygraph exam to substantiate their respective claims. That test would be paid for by WACH FOX News. Folks responded to WACH FOX News on Friday but did not say whether he is open to submitting to a polygraph. Larry Marchant has agreed to take a polygraph exam adminstered by an impartial third party.
Marchant is scheduled to take that exam Monday afternoon. WACH FOX News will be there. Check back to midlandsconnect.com throughout the day for more information.
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