MESA, AZ (CBS5/AP) -
Mesa is poised to host a nationally televised Arizona debate for Republican presidential candidates Wednesday in the Mesa Arts Center.
The 6 p.m. debate involving Mitt Romney, Rick Santorum, Ron Paul and Newt Gingrich, is being sponsored by the Arizona Republican Party and the Cable News Network.
The Republican National Committee authorized the debate during talks with Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer last summer.
CNN scheduled the debate before Arizona and Michigan hold primaries on Feb. 28 and what's known as Super Tuesday, when 10 states hold primaries and caucuses on March 6.
More than 112,000 Republicans have already cast early ballots in Maricopa County, home to three of every five Arizonans.
Santorum has emerged in the past week as Romney's chief rival for the GOP nomination after sweeping contests in Colorado, Minnesota and Missouri.
Romney's campaign in Arizona has the highest profile of the GOP contenders, with endorsements from numerous Republican elected officials. Those include McCain, Secretary of State Ken Bennett, Attorney General Tom Horne, state House Speaker Andy Tobin and least 20 other state legislators.
Supporters of Santorum, Paul and Gingrich all said they have active grass-roots campaigns in the state.
A campaign official for Gingrich said his campaign is finalizing arrangements for a Gingrich visit to Arizona, while officials for the Santorum and Paul campaigns said Santorum would campaign in Arizona on Feb. 21 and Paul on Feb. 23.
The date of Arizona's Feb. 28 winner-take-all primary is set by state law, but its scheduling before April 1 violates the Republican Party's national rules. As a result, the state's normal allotment of 58 delegates is to be halved to 29.
Romney is fighting Santorum to win the GOP primary in Michigan. Losing the contest would be a significant embarrassment for Romney, whose father, George, served as Michigan's governor before losing his presidential bid in 1968.
Mesa to host downtown viewing party
"Debate on Main" is Mesa's official viewing party during the GOP presidential debate. The free event will be held Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. along Main Street between Center and Sirrine.
"Arizona is a key state in the presidential campaign and the decision to move the debate from November to February is proof of just how important it is in the election process," Mesa Mayor Scott Smith said.
The debate will be shown on a 14' by 20' screen at "Debate on Main." Live music will be provided by Michelle Moyer and Take Cover. Food vendors include Cucina de Vita, Nunthaporn's Thai Cuisine, Queen's Pizzeria and Café, The Grill on Main, Kirk's Sports Grill and Downtown Rendevouz.
"Debate on Main" is sponsored by the City of Mesa, Downtown Mesa Association and KFYI.
Copyright 2012 KPHO (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this story.
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