This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/int/news/-/news/world-us-canada-15361428

The article has changed 8 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Republican rivals face off in CNN debate in Las Vegas Republican trade barbs in CNN debate in Las Vegas
(about 1 hour later)
Republican presidential hopefuls are set to clash in their latest televised debate in the economically depressed state of Nevada. Republican presidential hopefuls have clashed fiercely in their latest televised debate in the economically depressed state of Nevada.
Former pizza magnate Herman Cain - who has jumped in the polls, despite having never won an election - is expected to find himself under fire from rivals. Herman Cain - who has jumped in the polls despite having never won an election - came under heavy fire in the opening minutes for his 9-9-9 tax plan.
Ex-Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney has been a solid frontrunner, but has failed to energise conservatives. But some of the sharpest sparring took place between Mitt Romney and Rick Perry over immigration.
Texas Governor Rick Perry is aiming for a comeback after a series of missteps. Texas Governor Perry was aiming for a comeback after a series of missteps.
The backdrop for Tuesday's CNN debate in Las Vegas is a repossession-wracked state with an unemployment rate of 13.4%, the highest in the US.The backdrop for Tuesday's CNN debate in Las Vegas is a repossession-wracked state with an unemployment rate of 13.4%, the highest in the US.
Thrust into the national spotlight by strong poll ratings, Mr Cain is likely to find his signature 9-9-9 tax reform plan under renewed scrutiny. 'You have a problem'
He was criticised at the weekend after acknowledging the proposal would raise taxes on some Americans. Former pizza magnate Mr Cain's signature proposal for a 9% personal income tax, a 9% corporate tax and a 9% national sales tax immediately came under attack from all sides.
Mr Cain also had to apologise after calling at the weekend for an electrified fence along the southern border with Mexico. Representative Michele Bachmann said Mr Cain's call for a 9% federal sales tax would only be the beginning, with the rate rising later.
Mr Perry became the frontrunner when he entered the race in August, although he faded after several lacklustre debate performances and campaign distractions. Former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum said one analysis showed 84% of Americans would bear a heavier tax burden under Mr Cain's plan.
Minnesota Congresswoman Michele Bachmann, who also briefly captivated the conservative base this summer, is joining the fray. Mr Perry - who said he would unveil his own tax plan this week - also dismissed Mr Cain's proposal, saying he would "bump plans with you, brother".
Texas Representative Ron Paul, former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum and former House of Representives Speaker Newt Gingrich are also taking part. The most heated clash was between Mr Perry and former Massachusetts Governor Mr Romney over immigration, with each candidate speaking over the other.
Former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman is boycotting the debate after Nevada moved its caucus up to 14 January. "You have a problem with letting people finish their sentences," Mr Romney told Mr Perry.
Mr Perry accused Mr Romney of having hired illegal migrants, saying he was guilty of "the height of hypocrisy".
Mr Romney - who has struggled to energise the party's conservative base despite proving a solid frontrunner - denied the allegation.
He hit back, criticising Mr Perry for backing in-state tuition for illegal immigrants' children in Texas.
Mr Perry became the frontrunner when he entered the race in August, although he has lost ground after several lacklustre debate performances and campaign distractions.
Texas Representative Ron Paul and former House of Representives Speaker Newt Gingrich also took part.
Former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman boycotted the debate after Nevada moved its caucus up to 14 January.