Bauer ready to make run for top job official

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COLUMBIA --- South Carolina's lieutenant governor will be making his bid for governor official.

Republican Andre Bauer has been in the race to replace the term-limited Gov. Mark Sanford but has not formally announced his candidacy.

Campaign manager Hank Page said Bauer will do so as he launches a 24-hour tour across the state Monday. The tour will start about 7 a.m. at a restaurant in Spartanburg and conclude Tuesday in time for Bauer to preside over the Senate for the week's legislative session.

Bauer will face Attorney General Henry McMaster, U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett and state Rep. Nikki Haley in the June 8 primary.

Man kills himself in airport's secure area

MYRTLE BEACH --- Officials say a man who gained access to a restricted area of a coastal airport died Friday after stabbing himself several times.

Horry County police Sgt. Robert Kegler said a maintenance man called police at Myrtle Beach International Airport on Friday morning after spotting the man. Kegler said the man pulled a knife and stabbed himself in the abdomen several times,then stabbed himself in the chest.

Deputy coroner Chris Burroughs said the man's name is being withheld until his next of kin can be notified.

Airport spokeswoman Lauren Morris said officials are reviewing security tapes.

Suspect in pastor's slaying is arrested

COLUMBIA --- Police say they have arrested a man in the beating death of a pastor in his home.

Investigators said Friday that 44-year-old Frankie McGee was already in prison on unrelated charges when DNA evidence linked him to the burglary at 87-year-old Rev. Tryon Eichelberger's house.

Columbia Police Chief Tandy Carter refused to reveal evidence or give a motive for the crime, but he did call McGee a habitual thief.

Authorities say Eichelberger was beaten with an iron bar last May and died from his injuries two months later. McGee is charged with murder and first-degree burglary.