COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - Representative Bobby Harrell of Charleston is the new speaker of the state House of Representatives.

The Ways and Means chairman was the only candidate in an election Thursday afternoon.

House Judiciary chairman Jim Harrison of Columbia dropped out of the race Thursday morning.

Harrison says with pressing issues such as education, health care and taxes facing the state, the House needs to unite behind Harrell.

Harrell replaces House Speaker David Wilkins, who is bound for Canada as President Bush's ambassador to the nation's largest trading partner.

Wilkins had been speaker since 1994.