SIMI VALLEY, CALIF.—In a few minutes, the first GOP presidential debate starts here on the beautiful grounds of the Ronald Reagan presidential library.There are ten contenders here for the 90-minute session.
The candidates just walked took their places behind their podiums. They were greeted by former First Lady Nancy Reagan.
Kevin Madden, spokesman for GOP candidate Mitt Romney said they did not hold a mock debate with 10 stand-ins. Quipped Madden, “we don’t have that kind of staff.”
Interesting side note: The debate planners allowed two Democratic National Committee staffers to attend, spokesman Karen Finney and director of research Mike Gehrke. They are staked out in the media filing center.
