Republican rivals renew debate series By MIKE GLOVER, Associated Press Writer

Republican rivals renew debate series By MIKE GLOVER, Associated Press Writer
Sun Aug 5, 7:12 AM ET



DES MOINES, Iowa - After something of a hiatus, Republican presidential rivals are returning to the debate stage in a high-profile clash in a format designed to let them engage with each other.

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Nine Republican rivals have agreed to join the debate being broadcast from Drake University in the state where precinct caucuses launch the presidential nominating season. ABC's "This Week with George Stephanopoulos" will host the debate, with Stephanopoulos serving as moderator.

The 90-minute debate will be broadcast live, meaning the contenders could have one of the largest audiences for their early season debates. They last debated in early June.

Joining the debate will be Sen. Sam Brownback, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, Rep. Duncan Hunter, Sen. John McCain, Rep. Ron Paul, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, Rep. Tom Tancredo and former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson.

The debate comes just one week before a high-profile Iowa Republican straw poll is held that in past cycles has thinned the GOP's field.

ABC plans a similar debate among the Democratic contenders Aug. 19, also moderated by Stephanopoulos.