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Republicans Square Off in SC

GOP hopefuls swap heated words on economy, Iran, immigration

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 10, 2008 9:34 PM CST

(Newser) – GOP presidential hopefuls jostled for position during a South Carolina debate last night, with Mitt Romney taking aim at new front-runner John McCain and an aggressive Fred Thompson going after Mike Huckabee. Romney criticized McCain for giving up on manufacturing jobs in Michigan, a crucial primary state, but McCain defended his "straight talk" and urged retraining and tech investment, the Wall Street Journal reports.

Sparks flew during the debate when Reagan's legacy became a theme. "This is a battle for the heart and soul of the Republican Party and its future," said Thompson, ripping into Huckabee's "liberal" policies. Huckabee defended his record, saying he "stayed faithful with the things Ronald Reagan was faithful to."

Republican presidential hopefuls, former Sen. Fred Thompson R-Tenn., left, and former Gov. Mitt Romney R-Mass., shake hands prior to the Republican presidential debate in Myrtle Beach, S.C. Thursday,... (Associated Press)

Republican presidential hopefuls, from left, former Sen. Fred Thompson R-Tenn., former Gov. Mitt Romney R-Mass., Sen. John McCain R-Ariz., former Gov. Mike Huckabee R-Ark., former New York City Mayor... (Associated Press)

Republican presidential hopefuls, from left, former Sen. Fred Thompson, R-Tenn., former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, former New York City... (Associated Press)

Republican presidential hopeful, former Sen. Fred Thompson, R-Tenn., speaks during a Republican presidential debate on FOX News Channel in Myrtle Beach, S.C., Thursday, Jan. 10, 2008. South Carolina will... (Associated Press)

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Republicans Square Off in SC

GOP hopefuls swap heated words on economy, Iran, immigration

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Mitt Romney • John McCain • Rudy Giuliani • Fred Thompson • Mike Huckabee • Ron Paul • Republican debate

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More Newser Stories

Republicans Seek Edge in Calm Florida Debate

Candidates focus on economy ahead of next week's state primary

McCain Wins Tight Race in SC

He edges Huckabee in nation's first Southern primary

Romney Wins Silver State Caucuses

Ron Paul takes second place in surprise finish

Romney Leads McCain in Michigan: Poll

Favored by voters who cite economy & jobs as top concerns

Hillary Leads in Iowa; Huck, Mitt Neck-and-Neck

Clinton clings to slim lead, but poll finds 'lots of potential for change'

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Republicans Square Off in SC

GOP hopefuls swap heated words on economy, Iran, immigration

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Mitt Romney • John McCain • Rudy Giuliani • Fred Thompson • Mike Huckabee • Ron Paul • Republican debate

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Republicans Seek Edge in Calm Florida Debate

Candidates focus on economy ahead of next week's state primary

McCain Wins Tight Race in SC

He edges Huckabee in nation's first Southern primary

Romney Wins Silver State Caucuses

Ron Paul takes second place in surprise finish

Romney Leads McCain in Michigan: Poll

Favored by voters who cite economy & jobs as top concerns

Hillary Leads in Iowa; Huck, Mitt Neck-and-Neck

Clinton clings to slim lead, but poll finds 'lots of potential for change'

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Newser By Users

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More News

What is Newser?