(AP) -- South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley called the man accusing her of ethics violations a "racist, sexist bigot" for referencing terrorism during a conversation during her gubernatorial bid.
Haley told the House Ethics Committee Thursday evening that John Rainey insulted her family when he said he didn't want to later discover she was related to terrorists.
Haley's parents were born in India. She also mentioned the meeting in her book, and Rainey told The Associated Press earlier this year he wanted to see tax records to ensure the candidate he backed didn't wind up in a scandal, as after Gov. Mark Sanford's affair.
Rainey didn't immediately return a phone message Thursday.
Haley said Rainey's allegations she lobbied illegally are unfounded.
(Copyright ©2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
