Senate Panel Clears Gov. Haley's Office In Savannah Port Controversy

A South Carolina Senate panel has decided Governor Nikki Haley's office did not exercise any undue influence in a controversial decision to allow dredging of the Savannah River. Critics say the move will give Georgia's port a competitive advantage over South Carolina. Governor Haley initiated a meeting between state regulators and Georgia's governor that led to the decision. A South Carolina Senate Committee spent two weeks deliberating on charges Haley meddled in the affair and today subpoenaed four members of her staff. Governor Haley herself refused to testify. She held a brief press conference after the committee voted 7 to 3, clearing her office of the allegations. "We could have fought that subpoena, but I told them to go up there because I knew they were right, I knew we had done the right thing," said Haley. "But I will tell you enough is enough. The political games are slowing our state down in a time when we should be winning." Haley continues to support the decision allowing Georgia to deepen its Savannah Port because she says the permit meets South Carolina water quality standards. Conservation groups in South Carolina and Georgia disagree and are now challenging the permit in court.