CNN released the GOP lineup for next Tuesday’s debate. The nine candidates are Businessman Donald Trump in center stage as the front-runner, flanked by neurosurgeon Ben Carson and Texas Senator Ted Cruz. The other six participants are Florida Senator Marco Rubio, former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, businesswoman Carly Fiorina, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, Ohio Governor John Kasich, and Kentucky Senator Rand Paul. Before the main debate takes place, Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum, South Caroline Senator Lindsey Graham, and former New York Governor George Pataki will debate.
Candidates must make one of three criteria in polls conducted between October 29 and December 13 as well as receive recognition from CNN to make the main event on prime time. Paul, who was in danger of being removed from the main stage, was saved at the last minute because of his viability in the Iowa polls. The debate will be held in Las Vegas. Wolf Blitzer will moderate with CNN’s Chief Political Correspondent Dana Bash and Salem Radio Network talk show host Hugh Hewitt asking the candidates questions.