Bush sends condolences to fire families

President George W. Bush, who is visiting Columbia today, said he and First Lady Laura Bush are concerned about the families who lost loved ones in the fire at Ocean Isle Beach, N.C., this week.

Seven S.C. college students — six from USC, one from Clemson — died in an early morning blaze Sunday.

An official report on the fire’s cause could be released today.

“I know people are hurting,” Bush said.

The president is in town for a fundraiser for U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham’s re-election campaign. Bush also will visit Fort Jackson, where he will speak at graduation ceremonies today for Army recruits.

Bush’s plane landed in Columbia at 10:30 a.m., and was greeted by three Republican members of the S.C. congressional delegation — Graham, U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson and U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint.

The president urged South Carolinians to re-elect Graham.

“He is tough. He is smart. He votes on conservative principles,” Bush said.

Columbians who were near Interstate 77 this morning were greeted by a throng of law enforcement, cheering Bush supporters and a smattering of protesters.

Bush’s first stop was at the private Graham fundraiser being held at the home of Columbia City Councilman Kirkman Finlay.

— Noelle Phillips