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First noted as a "guest of honor," Republican gubernatorial candidate Nikki Haley has decided not to attend the grand opening of the Sea Islands Chamber of Commerce.

If the Sea Island Chamber of Commerce rings a bell, that's because the State Law Enforcement Division is currently investigating the entity. Former mayor of James Island, Mary Clark, sent five questionable $1,000 checks, paid to the order of her Karen Clark Thompson, for the town to become the Chamber's only public member.

Haley's camp said that they had no idea an investigation was underway, and, prompted by an inquiry of her attendance by The Post and Courier, her campaign manager responded that she'd decided to sit this one out.

The Post and Courier has the story, along with further explanation of the ongoing investigation.