"The first Republican Presidential debate of 2012 is at risk of unraveling.
With five weeks to go before the debate set to take place at the Reagan Library with NBC and Politico, the event lacks one important element: Republican candidates. (Michael Shear discussed this in the NYT today).
In a development that has taken some by surprise, as we prepare to enter the second quarter of 2011 the current field of declared GOP candidates is virtually nonexistent. While many are busy organizing potential candidacies (Huntsman, Gingrich, Romney, Pawlenty), and others are testing the waters on the GOP speaking circuit (Barbour, Daniels, etc.) as of today no major Republican contender has yet to say “I’m in.”
It’s tough to hold a debate without candidates."
GOP Debate at Reagan Library: Will the show go on?
(Ron Nehring):
