ATLANTA, GA -- February 16, 2012 --

Today, Georgia Republican Party Chairman Sue P. Everhart released the following statement on the 2012 Super Tuesday Republican Presidential Debate being co-sponsored by CNN, the Georgia Republican Party and the Ohio Republican Party:

"On behalf of Republicans across Georgia and our friends in the Ohio Republican Party, I am deeply disappointed in today’s developments regarding the 2012 Super Tuesday Republican Presidential Debate. The decision of Governor Romney, Senator Santorum and Congressman Paul to forego an opportunity to address our state's Republican primary voters, as well as voters across the nation, in a debate just days before Super Tuesday is truly disheartening. The efforts that Republican grassroots activists put in day after day should not go unrecognized, and it is my sincere hope that the candidates will reconsider this opportunity to speak directly to the driving force behind all that our Party will continue to accomplish.

"With 76 Delegates - the fourth-largest GOP delegation in the nation - Georgia's voice will be heard louder than ever on March 6th when Republican voters in the Peach State, Ohio and eight other states will take to the polls to place their vote for the next Republican President of the United States. I wish each of the candidates the best of luck moving forward, and trust that our Party's eventual nominee will not overlook Georgia's two-million plus Republican voters before the general election."