Senate panel votes to subpoena governor's staff; Haley says staff will testify

COLUMBIA -- In what was called an historic move, a panel of senators has voted to subpoena four of Gov. Nikki Haley's top staff members over the controversial decision by a state agency that will lead to the dredging of the Savannah port.

The governor confirmed that her staff will testify.

"And these senators will confirm, again, what they already know to be true: No one in the governor's office had anything to do with DHEC's decision," Haley's spokesman Rob Godfrey said.

The Senate Medical Affairs Committee voted 9-3 to issue the subpoenas. The issue is over the state Department of Health and Environmental Control's Nov. 10 decision to grant a water permit to dredge the Savannah port, which is in direct competition with the Charleston port and is seen by some as a death knell for the future development of the Jasper port.

The allegation is that Haley influenced the board, which she appoints. Haley has denied any inappropriate influence.

Haley said earlier today that the situation was politically motivated.

"All DHEC board members have said under oath that our office did not in any way influence their decision," the governor said in a statement. "I have issued a statement saying the same, yet certain legislators choose to flex their political muscle to now subpoena my our staff when senators themselves say it is clear there is no smoking gun. What a complete waste of time and taxpayer dollars," she said.

Senators said the decision puts the future of the state's economic development in question.

Haley's staff had declined to testify voluntarily. Her chief of staff Tim Pearson – one of the four staff members subpoenaed – sent the committee a letter Thursday, which said the staff would not voluntarily testify due to separation of powers doctrine.

Senate staff said they don't know of any precedent. Haley herself testified voluntarily before a legislative committee earlier this year on legislative bill to require roll call voting, but that was a decision she made voluntarily.

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