Gardner rules out Jan. 15 primary

CONCORD, N.H. -- New Hampshire Secretary of State Bill Gardner shot down talk among some in the state's political elite that the presidential primary could be scheduled as late as Jan. 15 if Michigan cannot hold their primary that date.

Conventional wisdom still has it that Gardner will decide to hold the primary on Tuesday, Jan. 8. Gardner said in an interview that no matter what Michigan does he will not hold the presidential primary on Jan .15 because four days later South Carolina Republicans will hold their primary.

New Hampshire law says no "similar contest" can take place seven days before or after the presidential primary. South Carolina, he said, would be a similar contest.

As for when he will make a decision, Gardner said to look early next week.