At the Statehouse, leaders there are holding their tongues and holding their breath while a well-connected Republican blogger takes his time adding to his allegations of an affair with a poll-leading candidate.

Will Folks on his blog, Fits News, has published what he says are text transcripts between him and party operatives regarding his alleged affair with gubernatorial hopeful Rep. Nikki Haley. The  texts are between him and the people who normally enjoy some anonymity in the media: a GOP caucus communicator, campaign managers and an investigative reporter for the AP.  Two of these have confirmed this communication, according to The Post and Courier’s Yvonne Wenger.

And today, Folks is virtually daring Haley to sue him for libel.

Haley has denied any such relationship with Folks and says this war of words only motivates her to fight harder to become governor of South Carolina.

Haley opponent Gresham Barrett quickly denied pushing the allegations along, calling that a lie. “My campaign had nothing to with this and listen, Mr. Folks is not a friend of mine.”

Lawmakers we have talked to, like our listeners, seem wary, weary and possibly a little shell-shocked since last summer’s Sanford storm.

Unemployment is a key issue in the Democratic Primary race for the Lowcountry House District 121 seat.

AUDIO: House District 121 primary preview