SC politics: Church massacre dominated governor’s schedule last week

The Charleston church massacre dominated Gov. Nikki Haley’s schedule last week, according to her staff, accounting for more than 20 activities.

This week, Haley’s publicly announced schedule included only one activity, a state Budget and Control Board meeting held Monday.

According to her staff, Haley’s activities last week included:

9: Meetings or phone calls with current or former elected leaders or candidates — Vice President Joe Biden, Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal, former U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint of South Carolina, former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley, former S.C. Govs. David Beasley (twice) and Jim Hodges, and the Rev. Jesse Jackson (twice)

6 each: Policy meetings or calls, all on Monday, before Haley called on legislators to remove the Confederate battle flag from the State House grounds; also, funerals for slain Emanuel AME members — Ethel Lance, the Rev. Sharonda Singleton, state Sen. and Rev. Clementa Pinckney, Cynthia Hurd, the Rev. DePayne Middleton-Doctor

3 each: Budget meetings, including meetings Saturday and Sunday in preparation of issuing vetoes; also, press activities — the take-down-the-flag press conference, a call and an interview

2 each: Condolence calls; also, phone calls to the heads of S.C. agencies — state Supreme Court Chief Justice Jean Toal and Public Safety director Leroy Smith

1: Agency meeting; also, a legislative meeting; also, a constituent call; also, a ceremonial duty, receiving the body of Sen. Pinckney at the State House

Busiest day: Tuesday, with nine activities

Of note: Haley’s schedule included seven activities on Saturday and Sunday

Staff reports