WASHINGTON, July 28 (UPI) -- The GOP version of the YouTube debate for U.S. presidential hopefuls may get a new date to accommodate two front-running candidates with scheduling conflicts.
The debate, in which the public asks questions via the online video site, YouTube, is scheduled for Sept. 17.
However, that date comes near the end of the third-quarter fundraising period, an unusually busy time for candidates, The New York Times reported Saturday.
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney has turned down an invitation to participate because of a heavy fundraising schedule, and aides to former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani said he also had potential scheduling issues.
CNN, which planned to broadcast the debate and announced its date last month, told the Times it would work with the campaigns to find a new date.
CNN Washington bureau chief David Bohrman said both the Giuliani and Romney camps assured him they wanted to participate.
The Democratic presidential candidates had their YouTube debate Monday.
