New Hampshire GOP Pulls Support For FOX Debate

Story Created: Jan 5, 2008

Story Updated: Jan 5, 2008

The New Hampshire Republican Party announced Saturday that it will no longer support a Republican candidate’s forum scheduled for Sunday on FOX.

Party officials decided to withdraw as co-sponsers after candidates California Rep. Duncan Hunter and Texas Rep. Ron Paulwere left uninvited.

Hunter posted only tiny percentage in Iowa disqualifying him under the criteria set by FOX, but remains in the race.

Having never received an initial invitation, Paul’s capture of 10% in Iowa Thursday, still did not convince organizers to allow his participation.

After strong media attention focusing on the forums exclusivity and internal discussion, New Hampshire Republican Party Chairman Fergus Cullen releases a statement Saturday making the separation official.

“The first-in-the-nation New Hampshire primary serves a national purpose by giving all candidates an equal opportunity on a level playing field. Only in New Hampshire do lesser known, lesser funded underdogs have a fighting chance to establish themselves as national figures. Consistent with that tradition, we believe all recognized major candidates should have an equal opportunity to participate in pre-primary debates and forums,” wrote Cullen.

“This principle applies to tonight’s debates on ABC as well as Sunday’s planned forum on FOX. The New Hampshire Republican Party believes Congressmen Ron Paul and Duncan Hunter should be included in the FOX forum on Sunday evening. Our mutual efforts to resolve this difference have failed,” he continued.

“While we understand that FOX News continues to move forward it is with regret, the New Hampshire Republican Party hereby withdraws as a partner in this forum.”

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