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Republican rivals go head-to-head Republican rivals go head-to-head
(40 minutes later)
Ten Republicans hoping to represent their party in the 2008 US presidential elections are holding their third TV debate in the state of New Hampshire.Ten Republicans hoping to represent their party in the 2008 US presidential elections are holding their third TV debate in the state of New Hampshire.
Divisions over illegal immigration were expected to dominate the event. Divisions over illegal immigration are dominating the event.
Sen John McCain is the only leading contender who supports the comprehensive immigration bill currently being debated in Congress. Sen John McCain, who alone among the candidates supports a controversial immigration bill, said it was "necessary for national security".
He faces a strong challenge from former New York mayor Rudi Giuliani and the ex-Massachusetts governor, Mitt Romney.He faces a strong challenge from former New York mayor Rudi Giuliani and the ex-Massachusetts governor, Mitt Romney.
The two-hour event is taking place on the stage where eight Democratic hopefuls held their most recent debate two days ago, which was dominated by Iraq. Mr Giuliani, a former mayor of New York, described the immigration bill as "a typical Washington mess".
Serious contender Open disagreements
The BBC's James Coomarasamy in New Hampshire says that in their previous two debates, the Republican candidates have been less reluctant than the Democrats to air their differences and tonight should be no exception. The immigration bill being considered by Congress aims to address the problem of undocumented workers.
REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES Sam BrownbackJim GilmoreRudolph GiulianiMike HuckabeeDuncan HunterJohn McCainMitt RomneyRon PaulTom TancredoTommy Thompson Republicans back Iraq war REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES Sam BrownbackJim GilmoreRudolph GiulianiMike HuckabeeDuncan HunterJohn McCainMitt RomneyRon PaulTom TancredoTommy Thompson Republicans back Iraq war If passed, the measure would tighten security along the border with Mexico while allowing some of the estimated 12m illegal immigrants to eventually be granted US citizenship.
Sen McCain stands alone among the contenders for the Republican nomination in backing the immigration bill, which aims to address the problem of undocumented workers in the US. The two-hour event is taking place on the stage where eight Democratic candidates held their most recent debate two days ago, which was dominated by Iraq.
If passed, the measure would tighten security along the border with Mexico while allowing some of the estimated 12m illegal immigrants to eventually be granted US citizenship. The BBC's James Coomarasamy in New Hampshire says that so far the Republican candidates have been less reluctant than the Democrats to air their differences.
Sen McCain's rivals are expected to attack him for his position, which he acknowledges is not popular within the party. Not present at the debate but hovering over the proceedings will be the fourth frontrunner, the former Tennessee senator and actor, Fred Thompson.
Not present at the debate but hovering over the proceedings will be the fourth front-runner, the former Tennessee senator and actor, Fred Thompson.
He will not be formally declaring his candidacy for another few weeks but he looks set to be a serious contender when he does, our correspondent says.He will not be formally declaring his candidacy for another few weeks but he looks set to be a serious contender when he does, our correspondent says.