The First South Carolina Debate (FOX/SC GOP) - only 5 candidates

[Queen Mum Inks.LWC]

The following people are the ones who confirmed attendance by the deadline.  The debate will be Thursday, hosted by FOX News and the South Carolina Republican Party.

Tim Pawlenty
Ron Paul
Rick Santorum
Gary Johnson
Herman Cain

Buddy Roemer, who had hoped to attend did not meet the requirement of getting at least 1% in the most recent national polls.

[Queen Mum Inks.LWC]

Roemor is now in full campaign mode, the exploratory committee is over...Gingrich said he will attend, but also said he must likely will not have paid the filing fee on time. Bachman said she would like to attend, as well.

Well, these were the 5 announced that will be attending.  Unless they decide to make exceptions, but then they'd have to let Roemer in too.

[Queen Mum Inks.LWC]

This year is Dr. Paul's year. While all the Neo-Cons are bickering with each other, Dr. Paul is going to be spreading his message to the American people.

Right... he might win a state--2 at most.

[Queen Mum Inks.LWC]

Do you think Romney not appearing will hurt him? I frankly don't understand that decision......

I think he's done well by keeping his head done and staying out of the spot light since 2008. I think that was incredibly smart. But this first debate should be the kickoff, surely? Why isn't he going to participate?

I don't understand it, but it's early... there's plenty of time to win some support.

[Queen Mum Inks.LWC]

Romney was smart to stay out once it appeared that his only opponents would be the little leaguers of this campaign.  No need for him to put himself on the same stage as these losers until there are some real opponents up there for him to talk to.

I'd consider Pawlenty toward the edge of the more mainstream candidates (certainly the most of the ones debating).