State Rep. Nikki Haley is defending votes to take federal stimulus cash hours after releasing her first television ads criticizing two opponents in South Carolina's Republican governor primary for stances on federal bailout cash.

Haley told a televised debate audience on Tuesday that her votes to take stimulus cash were procedural.

But that distinction wasn't made last Friday as former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin endorsed her and praised her for fighting stimulus cash last year.

Haley said it's only the final vote that matters.

The Faith and Family Forum in Columbia was broadcast by WIS-TV.

Haley was joined in the debate by U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett, Attorney General Henry McMaster and Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer.