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COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- South Carolina's Republican Party chairman says the state won't settle for a same-day presidential primary with Arizona after Gov. Jan Brewer proclaimed a February 2012 date for her state to gain a bigger national political role.

South Carolina GOP Chairman Chad Connelly said Tuesday he won't have a primary on the same day as a state that breaks Republican National Committee rules for primary dates. Connelly says South Carolina will make sure it is early enough to remain the first in the South.

Brewer signed an executive order Monday that makes it clear that Arizona's contest is on Feb. 28, 2012. That date is set by Arizona law.

Connelly can set whatever date he wants for South Carolina and will wait until the national party's calendar-setting deadline of Oct. 1.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)