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Republican Hopefuls Face Off in Tampa

September 12, 2011 | WMFE - The Tea Party is teaming up with CNN tonight to host a nationally televised debate among the Republican candidates for president. Many political observers say that that doing well in the Tampa debate is critical for winning the nomination.


All eight major Republican candidates say they'll attend the debate, which will be held in the host city for next year's GOP convention. During a stop Sunday at Tampa's 9/11 commemoration, former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman said winning Florida is “critically important” for his campaign.
“Somewhere between Orlando and Tampa, the great I-4 corridor, there's going to be a lot of important campaigning, a lot of connecting with the people of Florida.” Huntsman said. “Ultimately I believe that’s where the decision will be made that will determine the next nominee of the Republican Party, and I believe, the next president of the United States.”
Florida is still considered to be the nation's largest swing state, and is expected to once again be a battleground for the candidates.
University of South Florida political science professor Susan MacManus said Florida is still the nation's largest state that is politically split down the middle.
“Performing well here, and Florida always grabs national attention, is really going to be a sign of how well these candidates do as they head quickly toward the primary, and it looks like Florida is going to go earlier rather than later in the primary.” MacManus said.
MacManus said Florida will have even more clout next year, the state will have two more seats in the electoral college because of its growing population.

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