ATLANTA - Georgia sought to elbow its way onto the presidential stage Tuesday as the state House approved a bill that would move the state's presidential primary up a month to Feb. 5.

Supporters say it would allow the Peach State to play a greater role in picking the president, though some worry the state could get lost in the battle for the big electoral prizes of California, New York, Texas and Florida.

They are among the more than 20 other states who are either holding their primaries or caucuses Feb. 5 or considering doing so, according to the National Association of Secretaries of State.

"It would make Georgia far more relevant in the process," said Eric Tanenblatt, a prominent GOP fundraiser in the state who is backing former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney's bid.

Georgia's primary is now scheduled for March 4. With so many states pushing their primaries up, the nominees might be effectively be selected by then.

Feb. 5 is shaping up as a one-day, make-or-break mega-primary. Not everyone is a fan. Former Virginia Gov. Jim Gilmore, passing through the state Tuesday to line up support for his presidential bid, said the move stands to "benefit the candidates with the most money and name recognition."

Lesser known candidates on shoestring budgets might not stand much of a chance, he said.

Kirk Dornbush, who is helping to organize a fundraiser in Atlanta for Democratic presidential contender Barack Obama, agreed.

"It favors those candidates with enough money and organization to run a national campaign, no doubt about it," he said.

The state Republican and Democratic parties said they would support the Legislature's decision but weren't pushing for a change.

The current presidential lineup kicks off with the Iowa caucus Jan. 14 and the New Hampshire primary Jan. 22. The first Southern contest is the South Carolina primary Jan. 29.

The bill, sponsored by state Rep. Austin Scott, R-Tifton, would also reduce the number of votes a winning candidate must receive in general elections. Under current law, a candidate must get more than 50 percent of the vote. The bill would lower the threshold to more than 45 percent.

The change is designed to reduce the price tag in runoffs brought about by third-party candidates, Mr. Scott said.

The bill passed 154-11.