There's nothing quite like a GOP presidential candidate debate in Iowa to really get the campaign juices flowing! This evening's debate, sponsored by Fox News, the Washington Examiner, and in conjunction with the Iowa Republican Party, was prefaced by Mitt Romney's fiery encounter with some leftist hecklers, and is itself a prelude to a weekend promising the storied Ames presidential straw poll, a bus tour visit from Sarah Palin, and Rick Perry's presumable presidential announcement. The eight debate participants will include Michele Bachmann, Mitt Romney, Jon Huntsman, Rick Santorum, Herman Cain, Newt Gingrich, Tim Pawlenty, and Ron Paul. Let the Iowa fun and games begin!
Be sure to check back for updates and analysis from TH's Guy Benson and HotAir's Tina Korbe, live on the ground in Iowa, and to follow them and other members of the Townhall/HotAir crew on Twitter - enjoy below:
UPDATE (GB) - Our vantage point from inside the Ames spin room, located in Iowa State's basketball arena:
