GOP presidential contenders had a lot riding on their prime-time debate Thursday night at Florida Atlantic University. ¶ For John McCain and Mitt Romney, it presented a chance to step out smartly in the struggle for victory in Florida's pivotal primary -- just five days away. Both are seen as frontrunners in the state. ¶ For Rudy Giuliani and Mike Huckabee, it represented perhaps a last, best hope to shake up a statewide -- and national -- campaign that appears to be leaving them behind. ¶ Rep. Ron Paul, a libertarian-leaning Texan with a vocal following, also had a spot. ¶ Moderator Brian Williams pointed out that in recent years no Republican has won the party's nomination with out first winning Florida's primary. WHY FLORIDA MATTERS
Florida offers 57 delegates to the winner. It is the first big state to vote in the nominating campaign and the first winner-take-all contest in terms of delegates.
FOCUS ON ECONOMY
The candidates agreed that the economic stimulus plan marks a good start, but does not do enough to cut taxes.
"It's something I support and I look forward to taking it further," said Romney, who backs permanent tax cuts along with tax rebates.
"I will vote for it," said McCain. He quickly added he wants the tax cuts Bush won from Congress in 2001 and 2003 to be made permanent.
Giuliani said, "I would support it, but I think it does not go far enough."
Huckabee offered qualified support, saying that he was concerned the tax rebates would be financed by borrowing from foreign lenders such as China, and that consumers would spend the money on Chinese products.
Said Paul: "The government does have a responsibility, but it's supposed to lower taxes, get rid of regulations and devise a monetary policy that makes some sense."
POINTED QUESTIONS
The 90-minute debate featured a series of remarkably blunt questions.
Giuliani was asked why his poll numbers are deteriorating in Florida. He said he was like the New York Giants, which made its way through a turbulent season to the Super Bowl.
McCain was asked about his own mother's statement that he lacked support from certain elements of the Republican Party. He claimed he had won the Republican vote in the New Hampshire and South Carolina primaries, then pivoted to add that he won the support of independents as well.
DEFENDING EACH OTHER
After a fierce month of primaries and caucuses, the roster of contenders has begun to thin, and Florida is likely to winnow the field further. Perhaps as a result, the five contenders shied away from attacking one another, and at times, seemed eager to curry favor with one another's supporters.
ASSOCIATED PRESS