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GREENVILLE, S.C., April 11 (UPI) -- Politicians who want to take part in a May 5 Republican presidential debate were given a checklist of qualifications Monday by debate co-presenter Fox News. Among the requirements are that they must register a presidential exploratory committee or have announced a formal campaign for president.
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"Every potential debate candidate must meet all six steps of the … criteria no later than 5 p.m. [Eastern time] on Friday, April 29, in order to be eligible for participation in the debate" in Greenville, S.C., Michael Clemente, Fox's senior vice president of news, said in a release.
All participants also must:
-- File all required paperwork with the Federal Elections Commission.
-- File necessary paperwork with the South Carolina Republican Party.
-- Paid federal and state filing fees.
-- Meet all constitutional requirements.
-- Received at least an average of 1 percent in five national polls, based on the most recent polling leading up to April 29.
In December, Fox News and the South Carolina Republican Party announced they would present two presidential debates. The first debate is May 5 in Greenville, while the second will be conducted in 2012 before the South Carolina primary.
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, U.S. Rep. Ron Paul of Texas, former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, former Louisiana Gov. Buddy Roemer and former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania will participate, state GOP Chairwoman Karen Floyd told The Greenville News. Pawlenty and Roemer have formed exploratory committees.
A spokesman for former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, who ran for president in 2008, told the Greenville publication he would not participate.
