NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- State Election Coordinator Mark Goins says there wouldn't be enough time to hold another Senate primary after the state Democratic Party disavowed the winner of last week's nomination contest.

The state party has said it rejects the nomination of the anti-gay platform of Mark Clayton, who received twice the number of his nearest competitor in the field of seven little-known candidates to challenge incumbent Republican Sen. Bob Corker.

Goins said in a letter to fourth-place finisher Larry Crim on Tuesday that state Democratic Party Chairman Chip Forrester could have disqualified Clayton within a week of the April 5 filing deadline. But to replace him as the nominee now would require action by the party's executive committee.

Clayton denies the party's assertion that he helps lead a hate group.