Nikki Haley: Ready For Prime-Time

Every time we try to cure ourselves of the impulse to shamelessly promote S.C. Rep. Nikki Haley, she does something that reminds us why we fell in love with her in the first place.

Seriously, people. The conspiracy theorists can throw out whatever innuendo they want about that statement, but it won’t change the fact that Haley is a conservative rock star with a seemingly limitless reservoir of upward mobility.

And while it’s certainly true that many State House insiders view Haley’s recent demotion by House Speaker Bobby Harrell as a setback, the truth is she probably scored one of the most decisive statewide political wins we’ve ever seen on the issue of government transparency.

Not only did her efforts compel both legislative chambers to dramatically change the way they conduct the people’s business, it was a statewide PR coup that has her firmly ensconced as a top-tier statewide prospect.

Then last week, Haley comes along and delivers what we can only assume is going to be a stump speech for statewide office.

How good is it?

Yeah, it’s amazing … Haley comes off as confident but not cocky, brainy but not boring, personable but not patronizing … everything you want in a political speech.

Oh, and she’s as always dead-on when it comes to conservative ideology.

Many have pegged Haley as a possible gubernatorial candidate for 2010, but she’s said she’s not interested in that job.

Accordingly, speculation has turned to a possible run for State Treasurer, which as we’ve noted in the past has the current occupant of that office – longtime RINO Converse Chellis – scrambling to manufacture some conservative credentials out of thin air.

Incidentally, that process continued yesterday when he arrived quite belatedly to the government transparency party.

After Haley’s recent speech was posted on the website SC Hotline, several folks who had never heard Haley speak before called us expressing their amazement.

“That’s the kind of speech (S.C. Gov. Mark) Sanford wishes he could give,” one of them told us.

“If she runs, Chellis is toast,” said another.

Obviously, we concur with both assessments.

In a world where good ole’ boys like to boast about conservative ideology (before turning around and voting in secret to grow government at obscene levels), this “gal from Bamberg” is walking the walk.

As a result, she’s taking the fight to them on more levels than one … and winning.

Update - Looks like we’re not the only ones crushing on Nikki.

Comments