Bachmann, Pawlenty square off in GOP debate in Iowa; all candidates go after Obama
Posted: 08/12/2011
AMES, Iowa - Eight Republican president hopefuls showed up for a debate Thursday night in Ames, Iowa, but it was two rivals from Minnesota who appear to have gained most of the attention.
Former Gov. Tim Pawlenty and Rep. Michele Bachman exchanged barbs from the outset with Pawlenty accusing Bachmann of having a record of "making false statements" and lacking executive experience.
Bachmann's responded that Pawlenty's record as governor was too liberal. She compared Pawlenty's policies to President Barack Obama's.
GOP frontrunner Mitt Romney escaped attacks from his seven rivals who took turns targeting Obama.
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich took a shot at Fox News Channel anchor Chris Wallace, accusing him of asking a "gotcha question" about resignations by his staff. Gingrich says Republicans like Ronald Reagan and John McCain had staff defections. To counter it, he says intends to"run on ideas."
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Copyright 2011 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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