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Republican trade barbs in CNN debate in Las Vegas Republicans trade barbs in CNN debate in Las Vegas
(40 minutes later)
Republican presidential hopefuls have clashed fiercely in their latest televised debate in the economically depressed state of Nevada. Republican presidential hopefuls have clashed sharply in their latest televised debate in the economically depressed state of Nevada.
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.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.
But some of the sharpest sparring took place between Mitt Romney and Rick Perry over immigration. The fiercest exchange was between Mitt Romney and Rick Perry on immigration.
Texas Governor Perry was aiming for a comeback after a series of missteps. All are vying for the Republican nomination to challenge Democratic President Barack Obama in 2012.
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 was a repossession-wracked state with an unemployment rate of 13.4%, the highest in the US.
'You have a problem' 'Height of hypocrisy'
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.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.
Representative Michele Bachmann said Mr Cain's call for a 9% federal sales tax would only be the beginning, with the rate rising later.Representative Michele Bachmann said Mr Cain's call for a 9% federal sales tax would only be the beginning, with the rate rising later.
Former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum said one analysis showed 84% of Americans would bear a heavier tax burden under Mr Cain's plan.Former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum said one analysis showed 84% of Americans would bear a heavier tax burden under Mr Cain's plan.
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". Mr Cain said the plan was only being criticised because lobbyists, accountants and others stood to benefit from the current tax code.
The most heated clash was between Mr Perry and former Massachusetts Governor Mr Romney over immigration, with each candidate speaking over the other. The contenders took aim at Mr Romney's record on healthcare, linking "Obamacare" to the plan he implemented as governor of Massachusetts.
"You have a problem with letting people finish their sentences," Mr Romney told Mr Perry. Texas Governor Perry and Mr Santorum were among Mr Romney's most vocal critics on healthcare, with Mr Santorum saying: "You just don't have credibility, Mitt."
Mr Perry accused Mr Romney of having hired illegal migrants, saying he was guilty of "the height of hypocrisy". But the most heated clash was between Mr Perry and Mr Romney over immigration, with each candidate speaking over the other.
Mr Perry said: "Mitt, you lose all of your standing, in my perspective, because you hired illegals in your home. The idea that you stand here before us is on its face, the height of hypocrisy."
The Texas governor was referring to a Boston Globe story from 2007 reporting that a gardening firm hired by Mr Romney had employed illegal immigrants.
Mr Romney - who has struggled to energise the party's conservative base despite proving a solid frontrunner - denied the allegation.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. He appeared to struggle to hold on to his composure as he appealed to debate moderator Anderson Cooper to stop Mr Perry interrupting.
"You have a problem with letting people finish their sentences," Mr Romney told Mr Perry. "It's been a tough couple of debates for Rick, and I understand that," he added.
Mrs Bachmann launched a personal attack on President Obama over immigration.
She said it was Mr Obama who had the immigration problem because of "his uncle and his aunt, who have been allowed to stay in this country despite the fact that they're illegal".
Mr Perry suggested the US should consider "de-funding" the United Nations, citing its recent acceptance of a Palestinian application for membership.
Mr Paul urged cuts to defence spending, suggesting not just that the US should cut back on its number of overseas military bases, but also that it should cut foreign aid to Israel.
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.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. Texas Representative Ron Paul and former House of Representatives Speaker Newt Gingrich also took part in Tuesday's debate.
Former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman boycotted the debate after Nevada moved its caucus up to 14 January.Former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman boycotted the debate after Nevada moved its caucus up to 14 January.