Gingrich Campaign Comes to Cobb

Newt Gingrich is returning to his old stomping grounds this weekend to drum up support for his campaign for the Republican presidential nomination.

The former Speaker of the House, who represented and lived in East Cobb, will hold a campaign rally at 3 p.m. Saturday at the Atlanta Marriott Northwest after stops in Gwinnett and Forsyth counties. 

It's part of a busy weekend for Gingrich and his rivals in Georgia with the March 6 Super Tuesday presidential primary approaching. 

While Gingrich leads in Georgia in the latest statewide polls, he hasn't been building on that support and has won just one primary race, in South Carolina last month. 

Gaining the most ground on Gingrich is former Sen. Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania, who also will be campaigning in Forsyth on Saturday. He's also buying television advertising time in Georgia. 

Gingrich was also hoping to use an Atlanta candidates debate to reintroduce himself in his former state. But CNN, which was to have televised the debate on March 1, canceled the event Thursday when the other remaining GOP candidates, Texas Rep. Ron Paul and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, announced they would not attend.  

Some voters have already cast ballots. Advance voting for the primary began in Cobb on Monday and continues through March 2. No reason is required to vote early and it can be done in person Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the board of elections and registration office, 763 Whitlock Avenue in Marietta. The polls will also be open Saturday, Feb. 25 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Gingrich also is scheduled to speak at a Cobb Chamber of Commerce breakfast Thursday, March 1 at 7:30 a.m. at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Tickets to the breakfast are $35 for members in advance and $50 at the door. Tickets for general admission are $75. The last day to purchase a ticket is Friday, Feb. 24 at noon or earlier if tickets sell out.