Former Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-GA) is laying out a timeline for his decision on whether to run for president — and he says, the South Carolina primary will be key.
“I’m looking at making a decision by the end of February,” Gingrich told McClatchy, as he visits the state. “I’m trying to methodically see if it’s possible and if there’s enough support to make sense out of it.”
Gingrich underscored the importance of South Carolina, which has been the first contest held in the South each cycle. “South Carolina has picked the last five Republican presidential nominees,” said Gingrich. “So it’s clear that along with Iowa and New Hampshire, it’s a key state in the presidential nominating process. There’s no question it will retain that importance in 2012.”
