With just over a month to go before the first-in-the-nation Iowa caucuses, the Republican presidential race is heating up. Four of the top GOP contenders – former U.S. Senator Rick Santorum, former New York Governor George Pataki, former Florida Governor Jeb Bush and South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley—are set to take the stage in Des Moines on Tuesday for an important debate that could shape the outcome of the race.
The debate, sponsored by CNN and the Iowa Republican Party, will be the first opportunity for the four candidates to go head-to-head. In addition, it will be the first of three Republican debates to be held before Iowans vote on February 1.
Voters are eager to hear what the candidates have to offer and how they will differentiate themselves from one another. For Haley, the debate will be a crucial opportunity to stand out from the crowded field and make her case for the nomination.
She has been increasingly vocal in recent weeks, attempting to distinguish herself from the other candidates on issues such as immigration, economic policy, and education reform. She’s also been highlighting her own record as governor, in an effort to explain why she would make the best president in 2016.
No matter what happens in the debate, there’s no doubt that it will be a high-stakes night for the four candidates. While Iowa may not prove decisive in the GOP nomination race, it’s the first real test for the candidates and could have an important impact on the race going forward. With just over a month before the caucuses, the debate will provide valuable insight into the strength of the Republican candidates and help shape the campaign in the weeks to come.