Ethics board: Governor gets luxury box only for business

Published July 21, 2016

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) The State Ethics Commission says Gov. Nikki Haley can use a luxury college football suite only if she is conducting state business.

The commission's advisory opinion approved Wednesday is a revision from last September. That's when the board unanimously said the University of South Carolina can continue its longstanding practice of providing free tickets to the box to whoever occupies the governor's mansion.

While last fall's opinion said state business should be a priority for the 16 tickets, it allowed for personal use. Those attending get free food and drinks.

Commissioner Frank Grimball says ethics law is specifically meant to limit lawmakers' entertainment by lobbyists. He argued unsuccessfully that just conducting ''state-related purposes'' is too vague and the use should only be allowed for economic development.

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