Romney to face rivals in his 1st 2012 debate

[June 13, 2011]  MANCHESTER, N.H. (AP) -- Republicans eyeing their party's presidential nomination in 2012 are preparing for the first debate to include former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney.

Romney and six of his rivals are scheduled to meet Monday night at St. Anselm's College in Manchester. It will be the first time Romney will share a stage with the contenders who are looking to take away his frontrunner status.

Rep. Michele Bachmann of Minnesota, businessman Herman Cain of Georgia and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich of Georgia are set to participate in the debate. Rep. Ron Paul of Texas, former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty and former Sen. Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania will also be on hand.

Romney skipped the campaign's first debate.

[Associated Press]

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