Kemp: GA could be the focus on Super Tuesday

Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp says the continuing uncertainty in the Republican primary race could mean that Georgia gets to play a bigger role in selecting the party nominee than originally expected.

As the state with the most delegates at stake in the March 6 Super Tuesday contests, Kemp says it's likely Georgia will be the focus of the candidates and election watchers on that day.

"Even with Speaker Gingrich being a hometown guy, it still gives the opportunity for Sen. Santorum, Rep. Paul and Gov. Romney to come here and pick up delegates as well," Kemp told Channel 2 political reporter Lori Geary.

The state in the fall considered moving its primary up prior to Super Tuesday to have more influence, but ultimately decided against violating Republican National Committee wishes.

If Georgia had moved its primary up, party rules say it would have been stripped of half its Republican delegates. Kemp says having all 76 of its delegates makes Georgia an important prize for candidates, especially because it is not a winner-take-all state and the delagates can be divided.

"I think we can all feel good knowing we're going to have a part in picking who the nominee is going to be," Kemp said.