Republican Las Vegas Debate Tuesday. Cain, Perry in the spotlight

WASHINGTON–GOP White House hopefuls debate for the second time in a week on Tuesday night, with Herman Cain and Rick Perry the most to lose and gain in the encounter. There is plenty to talk about: Las Vegas suffers from some of the highest unemployment in the nation and the foreclosure crisis hit the city in the gut.

Perry, as of last week was still uncomfortable in a debate format. Cain, surging in polls, found his “9-9-9” tax plan under scrutiny at the New Hampshire debate last week and should expect to play some defense Tuesday.

The debate, at 8 p.m. est, is sponsored by the Western Republican Leadership Conference and CNN. Jon Huntsman won’t be there; he is protesting Nevada setting Jan. 14 for their caucus date, an attempt to steal the limelight from Iowa and New Hampshire.

On deck: Michele Bachmann, Cain, Newt Gingrich, Ron Paul, Perry, Mitt Romney, Rick Santorum.