Republican candidates are gearing up for the second GOP presidential debate, as they look to chip away at former President Donald Trump’s comfortable lead with less than four months before the first nominating contest.
After a raucous first debate in Milwaukie last month, the candidates are set to return to the debate stage for a two-hour event at 9 p.m.
To qualify for the second debate, a candidate must poll at least 3% in two national polls or 3% in one national poll and one poll from an early state poll in Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada or South Carolina, according to rules set by the Republican National Committee.
In addition to the polling and fundraising requirements, the candidates must also have taken a loyalty pledge in order to participate in the debate, which all eight candidates who participated in the first debate completed.
With that pledge, which has been somewhat controversial among the candidates, GOP presidential hopefuls must sign a statement that they will support the eventual Republican nominee.
Persons:
Donald Trump’s, Trump, Donald Trump, Julie Bennett, Ron DeSantis, Rebecca S, Gratz, Tim Scott, Charles Krupa, Nikki Haley, Alex Brandon, Vivek Ramaswamy, Michael M, Chris Christie, Doug Burgum, Scott Olson, Mike Pence, Jacquelyn Martin, Asa Hutchinson, Larry Elder, Perry Johnson, SERGIO FLORES, Ryan Binkley, Will Hurd, Steve Laffey
Organizations:
Republican National Committee, Republican, Trump –, Donald Trump Former, The Washington, Getty, United Nations, New Jersey, Asa Hutchinson Former Arkansas, Larry Elder Conservative, AFP, Ryan Binkley Business, Cranston
Locations:
Milwaukie, Simi Valley , California, Iowa , New Hampshire , Nevada, South Carolina, Ron DeSantis Florida, Carolina, New, Dakota, Texas, Rhode Island