OPINION

CNN debate: Five things that could shape the race

Townhall Staff
Townhall Staff  |  Jun 13, 2011
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Manchester, New Hampshire (CNN) -- Newt Gingrich is on the ropes, Tim Pawlenty's dropped the gloves, and Mitt Romney will be in the middle.

It doesn't matter that Sarah Palin, Rudy Giuliani and Jon Huntsman decided to stay home.

The game is on.

No more hedging statements, exploratory committees, or one more discussion with the family before deciding to jump into the water headfirst. The final boxes have been checked -- save for Michele Bachmann. For the six others, the race for the GOP presidential nomination begins Monday night at the CNN/WMUR/New Hampshire Union Leader debate.