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Thousands of people are expected to jam into the north side of
the Capitol on Sunday to hear President Bush speak, while about a
block away, hundreds of Democrats will cook out and listen to their
candidates.
“The president is very pleased to be returning to Charleston,”
said Taylor Gross, a White House spokesman.
Bush is expected to arrive at the West Virginia Air National
Guard base around 10:30 a.m. Sunday, with a speaking engagement at
the Statehouse set for 1 p.m. Those who might get the best view of
the nation’s 43rd chief executive, though, might be at a local
church service.
Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., told a radio audience Friday
that she understood the president would attend a church service in
the city, give his Capitol speech and return to Washington for the
annual fireworks display.
Gross would not confirm Bush’s schedule outside of the 1 p.m.
speech. “We have not made any announcements outside of what’s on the
advisory,” he said. But he was quick to add, “There’s always the
potential that other things could be changed or added on.”
Speculation is that Bush will attend church services at the Bible
Center Church on Corridor G. Pastor Shawn Thornton would not confirm
that Friday. “I’ve heard all kinds of things,” Thornton said before
referring any additional questions to the White House.
Charleston’s police traffic division said Corridor G is one of
several roads in the area that will be temporarily closed while Bush
is in the city. Portions of the interstate surrounding the city,
Greenbrier Street and Kanawha Boulevard also will be closed for time
ranges of 15 minutes to 30 minutes, said Sgt. Jerry Hill.
For security reasons, he would not reveal times when roads would
be closed.
Thornton hopes Bush attends his Sunday service, where he plans to
speak about King Solomon and concepts of freedom and wisdom. “It
would fit right in [with the Independence Day celebrations],” he
said. “In some ways, I would hope he would come.”
The pastor added that it would be “an honor if he chose to
worship here,” but said he would say little because he considers a
person’s right to religion and to attend church “a private
experience.”
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