Florida's decision to set Jan. 31 as its 2012 presidential primary evoked anger from other states and a sense of resignation from the Republican National Committee.

"The decision by Florida is hugely disappointing and could have been avoided. Rogue states have once again dictated the presidential nominating calendar," said South Carolina GOP Chairman Chad Connelly.

Connelly called on "all Republicans to strongly condemn Florida's decision" and for the RNC to disqualify all Florida delegates.

But a high-ranking RNC official in Washington, D.C., said, "It is what it is, and we'll move on."

By moving up the calendar, Florida will lose half its voting delegates to the national convention, as happened in 2008 when the state advanced its primary to the same Jan. 31 date.

But brushing aside cries for more punitive penalties, RNC officials affirmed that the 2012 national convention will be held in Tampa, as scheduled, and said that no further penalties would be imposed on the state for shuffling the calendar.

Other early-voting states, however, cried for blood.

Iowa state GOP chairman Matt Strawn said, "The arrogance shown by Florida's elected leadership is disappointing, but not surprising. Equally troubling is to see this petulant behavior rewarded with our national convention."

Strawn said the party penalties should include "refusing to credential or seat any member of Florida's primary date selection panel."