Georgia and Super Tuesday Are Critical for Gingrich

Georgia once was Newt Gingrich's home state. On Tuesday, it could be the state that makes or breaks his 2012 presidential hopes.

The former U.S. House speaker is in third place in the delegate count as the Republican primaries enter their heaviest day of voting yet. Georgia's 73 delegates are the single largest prize on Super Tuesday, when 10 states vote or begin caucuses.

Showing his regard for this area, Gingrich will appear at a Gwinnett Chamber event Tuesday when voting enters its final day. Early voting began on Feb. 13.

However, the former West Georgia College professor stressed in a speech in Suwanee last month that other Super Tuesday states are clearly in his sights. (See the attached video.)

Also, Gingrich made a campaign appearance Saturday night in Ohio, another conservative state with 66 delegates.

Tennessee (58 delegates) and Oklahoma (43 delegates) also vote Tuesday, and Gingrich figures to run strongly there. Oddly, he is not on the ballot in Virginia, his current home state (49 delegates).

In all, 419 delegates can be had Tuesday, so Gingrich could propel himself into the thick of the race -- or be driven out of it.

Mitt Romney, the delegate leader, stopped in Gwinnett on Sunday, and Rick Santorum has campaigned in the area recently. last month.

To show Tuesday's importance, almost $10 million has been spent on Super Tuesday advertising.

Patch will have continuing updates on election matters.