GOP front-runners switch course on debate

WASHINGTON, Nov. 10 (UPI) -- The leading Republican U.S. presidential contenders have agreed to participate in a debate targeted at Hispanics after turning it down earlier.

Former Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson led the way Thursday, The Washington Times reported. Arizona Sen. John McCain had already accepted the invitation from Univision, the Spanish-language television network.

Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee quickly followed Thompson's lead.

In the debate, scheduled for Dec. 9, the candidates will speak in English with their responses to questions translated into Spanish for television. Democrats appeared in a similar debate in September.

Most of the Republican candidates take a hard line on illegal immigration, angering many Hispanic voters. Rep. Tom Tancredo of Colorado, who has talked of the "Balkanization" of the United States, does not plan to attend the debate, the newspaper said.