First-In-The-South Republican Party Presidential Candidates Debate

First-In-The-South Republican Party Presidential Candidates Debate

Tuesday May 15, 2007 in University of South Carolina's Koger Center for the Arts in Columbia, SC. from 9:00 PM (EDT)

Sponsors: South Carolina Republican Party, FOX News Channel.

Candidates: Sen. Sam Brownback, former Gov. Jim Gilmore, former Mayor Rudy Giuliani, former Gov. Mike Huckabee, Congressman Duncan Hunter, Sen. John McCain, Congressman Ron Paul, former Gov. Mitt Romney, Congressman Tom Tancredo, and former Gov. Tommy Thompson participated. [all 10 of the major announced candidates].

Moderator: FOX News Channel Washington Managing Editor Brit Hume moderated the debate and FOX News Sunday Anchor Chris Wallace and White House Correspondent Wendell Goler asked questions of the candidates.

Audience: The South Carolina Republican Party handled ticketing.

Broadcast: Live on FOX News Channel.

Format:

Background: The Republican National Committee's State Chairmen's meeting was held in Columbia from May 15-18, meaning that Republican leaders from around the country were in town. A number of events were held in conjuction with the debate, notably the annual Silver Elephant Dinner; see ticketing. At the time of this debate former Sen. Fred Thompson was seen as likely to enter the race.

Additional Notes:
Longshot candidate John Cox sought unsuccessfully to participate. [press release]