Live-blog of tonight’s Republican presidential debate in Michigan
The Republican presidential contenders resumed their busy debate schedule tonight, gathering for the first of at least seven final meetings before the leadoff Iowa caucuses.
While the debate in economically depressed Michigan targeted the candidates’ job-creation plans, Herman Cain faced the specter of questions from the panelists – and comments from his rivals – in the aftermath of the sexual harassment charges leveled against him.
[fragment number=0]
The Georgia businessman tried to defuse them yesterday with a half-hour news conference in which he adamantly denied the allegations now made by four women. But at least one of his rivals, frontrunner Mitt Romney, termed the allegations “particularly disturbing,’’ perhaps an indication he would not let them pass when he and Cain shared the stage.
The 90-minute debate was held at Oakland University on Rochester, Mich., and broadcast live by CBNC. Boston.com and “Political Intelligence’’ offered a live blog beginning shortly before then. Globe staffers Matt Viser and Michael Levenson were also in Michigan for on-scene coverage.
The candidates last debated on Oct. 18 in Las Vegas, a heated two-hour meeting that featured especially sharp clashes and finger-pointing between Romney and Texas Governor Rick Perry.
In the interim, Romney has largely focused on fund-raising and expanding his support among prominent elected officials. Perry, meanwhile, has set the stage for tonight’s debate with a withering assault on Romney’s past policy flip-flops.
With voters in Iowa, at least, beginning to make their final decisions about whom to support, Perry is running out of opportunities to catch Romney.
Joining Cain, Romney, and Perry tonight were Representatives Michele Bachmann of Minnesota and Ron Paul of Texas, former Utah Governor John Huntsman, former senator Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania, and former House speaker Newt Gingrich.
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com