House unites in bipartisan prayer pledge

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"SC Prays" is timed for exactly four weeks before election day and is intended to show lawmakers standing "together to make a public commitment to pray for the safety of our nation and our troops," said House Speaker David Wilkins, R-Greenville.

Joining Wilkins, state chairman of President's Bush's re-election campaign, will be House Minority Leader James Smith, D-Columbia, state coordinator for Sen. John Kerry's presidential campaign.

Wilkins and Smith said that after the terror attacks in Spain they met to talk about "the importance of our own country's national elections and of their desire to put partisan politics aside in a public display of unity."

House members will commit to pray for continued safety at home, protection for the nation's troops and a smooth national election.

The brief event will be broadcast live on South Carolina Education Television. It will begin at noon on the south steps of the Statehouse.

Bagpipers from The Citadel will provide musical accompaniment, and Rep. Floyd Breeland, D-Charleston, will sing "God Bless America."

In the event of rain, the news conference will be held on the second floor of the Statehouse.