Republican Presidential Candidates to Face off in Debates

January 7, 2012

U.S. Republican presidential hopefuls face off in two debates this weekend as they prepare for Tuesday's primary vote in New Hampshire.

The six candidates will battle first on Saturday night, followed by a second debate Sunday morning.

Saturday's debate will be the first since the caucus voting in Iowa, which former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney won by just eight votes over Rick Santorum, a former senator from Pennsylvania.

At a campaign event Saturday in New Hampshire, Romney criticized U.S. President Barack Obama for his approach to the economy, health care and national security.

“He said he was going to bring big things to America. Well he did, but they came with big price tags, and they didn't work out so well. Big things, bad things, expensive things.”

South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley introduced Romney in a show of support. The southern state holds its primary on January 21.

Santorum also had harsh words for Mr. Obama Saturday, saying his policies have made it difficult for businesses.

“If you were looking at this president, and the class warfare, and the anti-business rhetoric, and the regulations, and the taxes that are on the board, the Obamacare coming into effect, why would you consider, why would you consider opening up a facility here in this country and engaging what will be a wrestling match with the federal government to be able to be profitable?”

Romney remains the frontrunner in New Hampshire according to the latest polling, with Texas Congressman and anti-war advocate Ron Paul in second.

The debates are a chance to sway voters statewide in New Hampshire and also appeal to a national audience.

Depending on the results, the New Hampshire primary could prompt one or more candidates to leave the race as a sixth-place finish in Iowa did with Minnesota Congresswoman Michele Bachmann.

Former House of Representatives speaker Newt Gingrich has fallen behind in recent weeks, but a new poll of likely New Hampshire voters released Saturday showed him rising to third place ahead of Santorum. Former U.S. ambassador to China Jon Huntsman tied Santorum for fourth, while Texas Governor Rick Perry trailed in last place.

The socially conservative Santorum sparked controversy this week when he compared gay marriage to polygamy at an event with college students in New Hampshire. Santorum is a vocal opponent of same-sex marriage.