Bush "will make remarks on strengthening Social Security," White House spokesman Taylor Gross said. It's part of the president's 60-stop, cross-country tour to discuss his plans to restructure the program.

The Statehouse was chosen because "South Carolina is an outstanding example of a state legislature making decisions and keeping their fiscal house in order," Gross said.

Bush's visit marks the third address to the General Assembly for a sitting president since President Richard Nixon in 1972. Bush's father spoke here in 1989.

Bush will arrive midmorning Thursday. House Speaker David Wilkins, R-Greenville, says a resolution that formally invites Bush to address the General Assembly has been drafted, but no specific time has been set.

"It's a great honor to have the president here," Wilkins said. "This is truly Bush country. It's a wonderful privilege and we're very excited about it."

Democrats, while pleased to see a president visit, see "Bush country" in the light of federal spending cuts for veteran benefits, student loans, law enforcement and health care, Lachlan McIntosh, executive director of the state Democratic Party said. Bush's Homeland Security budget alone cuts $16.9 million from South Carolina programs, McIntosh said.

"We certainly don't believe there's much support for the privatization of Social Security here," McIntosh said.

Wilkins and Senate President Pro Tem Glenn McConnell, R-Charleston, are trying to put details together, including who gets on the short list of legislators who will escort Bush into the House chamber. And there are other issues, including security and a polishing of the Statehouse.

"We're going to put on our Sunday best," Wilkins said.

Bush has been a frequent visitor to South Carolina since he launched his first presidential bid in 1999 with Wilkins helping to lead South Carolina fund-raising efforts. Wilkins reprised that role in Bush's re-election last year.

Expectations are running high in the Statehouse that Wilkins will accept an offer from Bush to become U.S. ambassador to Canada. For his part, Wilkins is trying to squelch that talk.

Some wonder why Bush would chose to address the Legislature rather than a rally anywhere else.

"This isn't a political visit," McConnell said. "This is a government visit to address the affairs of state."

Social Security's overhaul is an issue affecting South Carolinians, he said.

The Senate next week will begin floor debate on changes to the state's pension plan, and is on the verge of debating the state's $5.8 billion budget.

"I can't think of a more timely visit for him," McConnell said. With the state running a surplus for the first time in four years, "talk about fiscal discipline will be very important," McConnell said.

It's not just a General Assembly crowd that will be on hand. Gross says the White House is inviting all state officials to the event. Republican U.S. Sens. Lindsey Graham and Jim DeMint plan to be there, as does Gov. Mark Sanford.

"We think it's great anytime the president comes to visit South Carolina and we're excited to have him," Sanford spokesman Chris Drummond said.