CNN, Arizona Republican Party to Present Presidential Primary Debate

As the race for the Republican nomination intensifies, CNN and the Arizona Republican Party announced today they will co-host a debate among the 2012 Republican presidential candidates in this key Western state on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2011.
“Arizona is a key state that will play a pivotal role in helping Republicans choose their presidential nominee,” said Sam Feist, CNN Washington bureau chief and senior vice president. “CNN is honored to provide voters in Arizona and around the country an opportunity to hear the GOP candidates present their vision for the future.”
“I’ve been in politics a long time, but I can’t remember a more critical election than this,” said Arizona Governor Jan Brewer. “When it comes to some of the hallmark issues facing our country – whether illegal immigration, the housing crisis or the ongoing power struggle between the states and federal government – Arizona is at the forefront. These are national issues, certainly. But Arizonans live and breathe them. So, I’m thrilled that the Arizona Republican Party and CNN have reached agreement on a debate, and optimistic that when the candidates come to Arizona, they’ll meet our voters and offer meaningful solutions to the problems facing our state and nation.”
As previously announced, CNN and the Western Republican Leadership Conference will present a debate on Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada. These presidential debates are in addition to two separate Republican primary debates hosted by CNN earlier this year, with Hearst Television’s WMUR and the New Hampshire Union Leader in June 2011 and the Tea Party Express in September 2011.
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