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COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- About two dozen freshmen in the House of Representatives are getting two days of briefings on how the lower chamber operates.

The two-day orientation started Tuesday with a pep talk from House Speaker Bobby Harrell.

The Charleston Republican told the House's newest members their two most valuable possessions are their word and their vote.

The gathering is the first for the 16 Republicans and seven Democrats elected Nov. 4. Rep. That included Rep. Anne Peterson Hutto, a Charleston Democrat who narrowly defeated incumbent Republican Rep. Wallace Scarborough. Scarborough is challenging the race's outcome.

Senate Clerk Jeff Gossett will hold a less formal orientation for the Senate's nine new members on Thursday.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)