COLUMBIA - President Bush is coming to Columbia today to speak to lawmakers about his Social Security reform plan, and the Statehouse has been in a twofold tizzy about it for two weeks.

First of all, there is the oddity of a president coming to speak to a joint session of the House and Senate. It is part of his nationwide campaign of talking up his Social Security plan.

Second, there is the rumor that he also is coming to announce that he is nominating House Speaker David Wilkins, R-Greenville, to the vacant post of ambassador to Canada.

Wilkins says it's nothing but rumors, but a number of legislators say they have been interviewed by federal agents who are doing a background check on Wilkins. The interviews have even been the subject of jokes on the House floor.

Some members hum "O Canada" as Wilkins passes by. He just grins.

Wilkins played a key role in getting Bush elected. He was in a contingent that went to visit Bush in Texas to try to persuade him to run for president. When Bush did decide to run, Wilkins led his campaign in South Carolina and played a part in Bush's victory over John McCain in the state's presidential primary.

The speaker is not only the presiding officer of the House, he also holds much power in the form of committee assignments and the organization's management and funds.

Wilkins' possible elevation to a federal post has set off a campaign to replace him that is already so intense that state Rep. Tracy Edge, R-North Myrtle Beach, said he has never seen anything like it and is exhausted from it.

The contenders are Bobby Harrell, R-Charleston; Jim Harrison, R-Columbia; Harry Cato, R-Travelers Rest; and Doug Smith, R-Greenville.

How Horry and Georgetown counties could be affected depends on who would win if there were an election.

Harrell is chairman of the budget-writing Ways and Means Committee. If Harrell were elected speaker, Edge said he would run for Ways and Means chairman.

Having the Ways and Means chairman from Horry County could be helpful for local causes that seek state money.

Harrison leads the Judiciary Committee. If he were elected, Rep. Alan Clemmons, R-Myrtle Beach, likely would move up on that panel. Cato is chairman of the Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee, and Smith is speaker pro tem.

The Senate has not be affected by the Wilkins rumor and the resulting jockeying for positions in the House.

Senate members say they're just excited about a visit from the president.

"It's a historical day for the General Assembly," said Sen. Luke Rankin, R-Myrtle Beach. "Hopefully, I'll get to talk to him about Myrtle Beach and Interstate 73."

President Bush's speech to a joint assembly of the House and Senate will be carried live at noon today by S.C. ETV, ETV Radio and the digital S.C. channel

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