Haley picks deputy AG to lead staff

COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley has picked a deputy attorney general to be her new chief of staff.

   Haley spokesman Rob Godfrey said Bryan Stirling will move into his new role Oct. 15.

   Stirling will replace current chief of staff Tim Pearson, who is returning to Haley's campaign to lead the Republican governor's possible run for a second term. Haley repeated Tuesday that she has not yet decided whether she'll seek re-election.

   Haley notes Stirling has experience on the state and federal level. She praises his experience, relationships and leadership qualities. The 42-year-old University of South Carolina graduate's duties in the attorney general's office include budget issues and liaison with the Legislature.

   Stirling has been a deputy attorney general since January 2007 after spending a decade in private practice.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

WSOC