COLUMBIA, S.C. - John Kerry's campaign was the first to file Friday for the South Carolina Democratic presidential primary on Feb 3.

"Today's filing at the very earliest moment is just evidence of our commitment to take this state seriously," said Kerry's campaign spokesman Dag Vega. "We wanted to demonstrate we are on our toes."

Vega said Kerry, who is spending most of his time in Iowa and New Hampshire, plans to campaign in South Carolina next month.

Filing with the state Democratic Party opened Friday and will close Jan. 2. Candidates are required to pay a $2,500 fee or turn in 3,000 signatures.