The Grand Strand may be the state's tourism leader and one of its most populous areas, but nobody told that to the Democratic Party's nine presidential hopefuls.

Myrtle Beach and Horry County are noticeably absent from the itineraries of candidates as they crisscross the state.

Howard Dean will speak in Georgetown today, and U.S. Sen. John Edwards and the Rev. Al Sharpton visited Horry County in the past year.

But that's likely to be the extent of the action close to Horry County - even though the crowded field of Democrats sees the state's primary as a political barometer for the South.

"I can understand why people might feel slighted," said Jack Bass, a political science professor at the College of Charleston who throughout the years has seen parades of presidential hopefuls in the Queen City. "If you're a candidate, your time is limited, and you go where the people are."

It's not surprising candidates overlook Horry County, political observers say. Candidates go where their message is heard loudest: counties with more media exposure and a greater percentage of Democratic voters.

So don't expect to see U.S. Sen. John Kerry speaking from the Pavilion or U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman addressing voters at Springmaid Pier.

Most candidates only have time for appearances in Charleston and Columbia, with brief stops in between.

A debate is planned for Greenville-Spartanburg, as well.

The one exception may be U.S. Rep. Dick Gephardt of Missouri, whose campaign is considering an appearance in Horry County.

"We want to get down to Horry County, and we hope to get down there," said Kathy Hensley, a Gephardt campaign worker.

Six other states hold primaries Feb. 3, the same day as South Carolina. That's just weeks after the Iowa and New Hampshire primaries.

"There's a lot going on nationally," said Democratic Party stalwart Sally Howard, a local resident and a member of the state party's executive committee. "It's not all about us."

Candidates may be focusing on counties with greater black populations or those that have suffered job losses, such as Georgetown.

There, Howard speculated, Democratic policies may be more appreciated.

When it comes to Democratic strongholds in South Carolina, no one thinks Horry County, said Greg McCollum, chairman of the county's Democratic Party.

The Grand Strand has a high percentage of seniors, who tend to vote more regularly than other groups.

And though it might seem wise for candidates to woo the Grand Strand's senior set, many of those voters will learn about the candidates on the evening news, Bass said.

"A lot of it comes down to the media," he said.

The Grand Strand has only two network broadcasters, compared with four in Columbia and Charleston.

Whatever the reason, the Democrats' decision to overlook the Strand doesn't upset Republicans.

"If they thought there was value in coming here, they would be here," said Horry County Republican Party Chairman Duane Oliver. "It's just not worth their time or money. Doesn't bother me."