In the most combative encounter of the 2012 contest, Michele Bachmann, Tim Pawlenty and other mid-tier candidates tangled repeatedly over their records and positions on the economy and other issues in a televised debate Thursday night.
The contentious exchanges reflected the heightened stakes for several candidates facing a stern test this weekend in an Iowa straw ballot with a history of culling the weakest contenders from the field. The debate came two days ahead of Texas Gov. Rick Perry's official entry into the race, a development several candidates said they welcomed.
Friday, August 12, 2011
GOP candidates debate in Ames, Iowa
The L.A. Times reports:
