N.H. GOP withdraws from Fox News debate

MANCHESTER, N.H., Jan. 5 (UPI) -- The New Hampshire Republican Party has withdrawn its co-sponsorship of a GOP candidates' debate on Fox News.

State GOP Chairman Fergus Cullen said in a statement the state party was pulling out of the event because of the exclusion of Texas Rep. Ron Paul and California Rep. Duncan Hunter, the (Manchester, N.H.) Union Leader reported Saturday.

"We believe all recognized major candidates should have an equal opportunity to participate in pre-primary debates and forums. This principle applies to tonight's debates on ABC as well as Sunday's planned forum on Fox," Cullen said. "The New Hampshire Republican Party believes Congressmen Ron Paul and Duncan Hunter should be included in the Fox forum on Sunday evening. Our mutual efforts to resolve this difference have failed."

The Paul campaign issued a statement saying the state party "did the right thing".

"'Fox News' decision to exclude Congressman Paul is unfair, but it won't stop Dr. Paul's message of freedom, peace and prosperity from resonating with the people of New Hampshire," said campaign spokesman Jesse Benton.

Democratic presidential hopeful Dennis Kucinich has accused ABC News of violating equal-time provisions by excluding him from Saturday's debate in New Hampshire.

New Hampshire holds its first-in-the-nation presidential primary next Tuesday.