Brian Kemp at the FOX 31 studios earlier this year.
 / From file
ATLANTA, GA -- The horse race amongst states to have early presidential primary dates ended for Georgia today.
Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp announced today that the state will hold its presidential preference primary on Tuesday, March 6, 2012, otherwise known as "Super Tuesday".“My decision to hold Georgia’s presidential preference primary on March 6, 2012 protects the interests of Georgia voters. By holding our presidential primary election on March 6, 2012 we can ensure that the voices of Georgia voters are heard and are relevant in the presidential candidate nomination process.” stated Secretary Kemp.
House Bill 454 was passed by the Georgia General Assembly this year, allowing the Secretary of State to set the presidential preference primary date.
Secretary Kemp added, “I want to officially invite the presidential candidates to visit our state and discuss and debate the issues with Georgia voters, just as they have done in the early caucus and primary states for more than a year.
“Finally, I want to stress that we have committed in good faith to abiding by the rules set forth by the Republican National Committee so Georgia will not suffer a loss of delegates, and I highly encourage the Republican National Committee to enforce its rules as this process continues.”
The entire press conference can be viewed at the Secretary of State's website.