COLUMBIA (WACH) -- A new poll shows State Representative Nikki Haley had a 20 point lead in the race for the Republican nomination for Governor.
The Public Policy Polling survey was conducted Saturday and Sunday, before a blogger published claims to have had an "inappropriate physical relationship" with Haley.
Haley's campaign issued a statement Monday denying the allegations.
"I have been 100% faithful to my husband throughout our 13 years of marriage," Haley said. "This claim against me is categorically and totally false."
WACH FOX News contacted Haley's office asking why she hasn't filed a lawsuit against Will Folks, the blogger and former aide to Governor Sanford who made the accusations. We're currently waiting for that response.
Meanwhile, Folks has yet to provide any evidence showing truth to the relationship.
Folks claims he has text messages and emails that show proof.
This weekend's poll showed Haley at 39 percent. Attorney General Henry McMaster at 18 percent came in second. U.S. Representative Gresham Barrett had 16 percent, and Lieutenant Governor Andre Bauer had 13 percent.
Haley is leading the race for the GOP gubernatorial nomination after receiving the endorsement of former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin and former first lady Jenny Sanford.
In a radio interview on WVOC Monday afternoon, Haley told host Keven Cohen that she spoke with both Palin and Sanford and they are still backing her as a candidate. You can listen to that interview here.
Haley challenged her opponents to stay away from using smear tactics and personal attacks at Monday night's candidate forum in Greenville.
The primary election is June 8. If no candidate receives more than 50 percent of the vote, the top two will face a runoff election on June 22.
Monday, in our daily web poll on MidlandsConnect.com, we asked what kind of impact the allegations would have on her candidacy. See the current results and vote in that poll.
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