Georgia seeks clout in GOP primary for White House

By Associated Press

For the AJC

Georgia's top elections official is trying to figure out how to give the state as much influence as possible in the selection of the Republican nominee for president.

This year, the Legislature gave Secretary of State Brian Kemp the power to set the state's presidential primary.

If he plays his cards right, Georgia's primary could draw candidates to the state. That would give the state political clout and generate money for the state GOP.

Charles Bullock, a political scientist at the University of Georgia, says the primary should be held earlier rather than later. But if the primary is before March 6, the Republican National Committee will strip Georgia of half of its convention delegates.

Arizona has already broken that rule, and Michigan is expected to do the same.