Secretary of State Kemp Issues Statement Following Announcement of Florida’s Presidential Primary Election Date

Atlanta –Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp issued the following statement regarding today’s announcement that the State of Florida will hold its presidential primary election on January 31, 2012. The Republican National Committee has previously declared that states other than Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina and Nevada will lose half of their delegates if their caucus or primary is conducted prior to March 6, 2012.

Secretary Kemp stated, “My decision to hold Georgia’s presidential primary election on March 6, 2012 was to ensure that the voices of Georgia voters are relevant in the presidential candidate nomination process, to encourage the candidates to visit our state and discuss the issues with Georgia voters, and to abide by the rules set forth by the Republican National Committee so Georgia will not suffer a loss of delegates.

“Like many states who have chosen to play by the rules, Georgia committed in good faith to working within the parameters required by the Republican National Committee. Florida has made its decision, but should not be rewarded by daring the Committee to enforce its rules. I fully expect the Republican National Committee to enforce its rules and penalize Florida and any other state that violates them as this process continues.”

Brian Kemp has been Secretary of State since January, 2010. Among the office’s wide-ranging responsibilities, the Secretary of State is charged with conducting efficient and secure elections, the registration of corporations, and the regulation of securities and professional license holders. The office also oversees the Georgia Archives.