MANCHESTER, N.H. (AP) — Marco Rubio, a first-term senator on the rise in the presidential race, faced a barrage of attacks in Saturday night's Republican debate, with rivals vigorously challenging his readiness to be president as they sought to salvage their own White House hopes, while Donald Trump dodged the limelight and dismissed boos from the audience as evidence of bias.
Sen. Ted Cruz, fresh off his victory in the Iowa caucuses, also came under withering criticism for controversial political tactics, with one candidate disparaging him for having "Washington ethics" and being willing to test the campaign's legal limits.
GOFFSTOWN, NH — With renewed energy, Republican presidential hopeful Carly Fiorina was in New Hampshire Saturday morning to try and boost her campaign after being refused a spot in tonight's televised debate.
Fiorina and her supporters criticized the media and the Republican National Committee for excluding her from tonight's main stage event. Senator Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), who has not officially endorsed any candidate yet, has been vocal about her disapproval of Fiorina's expected absence tonight. "They would like to basically tell us that votes are less important than polls," said former state representative Marilinda Garcia, who has been endorsing Fiorina since she announced her campaign in May. "In Iowa she beat both governors Christie and Kasich, and she earned just as many delegates as Governor Bush."
