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COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney will use one of former President George W. Bush's campaign lieutenants as a top South Carolina adviser to his presidential exploratory committee.

Romney's campaign said Thursday that David Raad will be a senior adviser.

In 2000, Raad was Bush's regional director in South Carolina's northwestern counties. He went on to work for the U.S. State Department and returned to direct Bush's 2004 re-election campaign in Missouri.

Saturday will mark Romney's first visit to South Carolina since forming his exploratory committee in April.

Other potential candidates are adding campaign staff as well. Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty on Monday hired former state GOP staffer Kurt Pickhardt as his South Carolina political director.

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