U.S. Rep. Dick Gephardt became the second presidential candidate in a week to stand near Georgetown's closed steel mill and promise, if elected, to end trade policies that he said kill jobs like the 600 recently lost in Georgetown.

After stumping in Georgetown, the Missouri Democrat visited supporters in Myrtle Beach, criticizing President George Bush as the worst president he has seen in his 26 years in Congress.

"I've served with five presidents, and he is by far the worst," he said. "I'm nostalgic for Ronald Reagan."

Gephardt's visit follows Howard Dean's, who spoke in Georgetown last week.

U.S. Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina and the Rev. Al Sharpton also visited the Grand Strand in the past year, and former Sen. Carol Moseley Braun is planning an appearance Saturday in Atlantic Beach.

All nine of the Democratic candidates have made South Carolina a priority as the state's Feb. 3 primary grows closer. Candidates and political observers see the state's primary as a political bellwether for the South.

"The whole county is going to be looking at South Carolina that night," Gephardt said. "Your votes are going to be counted first."

And as the race for the primary heats up, some people only loosely connected to the candidates are getting red-carpet treatment: The Rev. Jesse Jackson rallied voters Sunday in Georgetown, and Dean's Yale University roommate will meet Friday with local Democrats.

Once considered a top contender for the nomination, Gephardt saw his poll numbers slip as Dean's popularity increased. Most polls in South Carolina have Dean and Clark leading the primary field.

Gephardt said the key to winning the state's primary will be to appeal to core segments of the Democratic Party: blacks and union workers. Gephardt has the endorsement of the steelworkers union and U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn, the state's leading black politician.

Clyburn, who joined Gephardt at both his appearances, said Gephardt has the right strategy.

Clyburn said the key now is to win the primary. He said he won't worry about Horry County's large percentage of Republican voters until then.

Gephardt said his background as the son of a Teamster truck driver, his Congressional experience and his stance against global trade agreements set him apart from the other Democrats.

Gephardt focused on job creation at both appearances Wednesday. He said his campaign has three goals: "Jobs, jobs and jobs."

Trade policies such as the North American Free Trade Agreement make it too easy for corporations to move overseas at the expense of U.S. jobs - "sacrificed on the altar of free trade," he said.

His message appealed to the few dozen steelworkers who came out to listen. About 175 people attended Gephardt's Georgetown rally.

"I'm not sure what [Gephardt] can do, but Bush certainly hasn't done it," said former steelworker Carl Michael Hanser.

After the speech in Georgetown, members of the union presented Gephardt with a union jacket, which Gephardt modeled for cameras.

Gephardt also outlined his plans for increased student financial aid, a higher minimum wage, enhanced benefits for teachers, alternate energy development and tax reform.

About 75 people greeted the candidate in Myrtle Beach - a smaller number than in Georgetown. Still, local Democrats called the turnout a success.

"We need more Democrats in Horry County," said Greg McCollum, chairman of the county party. "So, thank you for coming."