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Republicans 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 sharply 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.
The fiercest exchange was between Mitt Romney and Rick Perry on immigration.The fiercest exchange was between Mitt Romney and Rick Perry on immigration.
All are vying for the Republican nomination to challenge Democratic President Barack Obama in 2012.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 was a repossession-wracked state with an unemployment rate of 13.4%, the highest in the US. Tuesday's CNN debate took place in Las Vegas, in a repossession-wracked state with an unemployment rate of 13.4%, the highest in the US.
'Height of hypocrisy''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.
Former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum said one analysis showed 84% of Americans would bear a heavier tax burden under Mr Cain's plan. Ex-Massachusetts Governor Romney, who has found himself in a dead-heat with Mr Cain in recent opinion polls, told him "middle-income people see higher taxes under your plan".
Mr Cain said the plan was only being criticised because lobbyists, accountants and others stood to benefit from the current tax code. Long-shot candidate Rick Santorum, a former Pennsylvania senator, cited one analysis suggesting that 84% of Americans would pay more taxes under Mr Cain's plan.
The contenders took aim at Mr Romney's record on healthcare, linking "Obamacare" to the plan he implemented as governor of Massachusetts. Mr Cain said the plan was only being criticised because lobbyists, accountants and others benefited from the current tax code.
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." The contenders next took aim at the healthcare plan Mr Romney implemented as governor of Massachusetts.
President Obama has said Mr Romney's plan was a model for his 2010 healthcare overhaul that conservatives are determined to repeal.
Texas Governor Perry and Mr Santorum both took aim at Mr Romney on the healthcare issue, with Mr Santorum saying: "You just don't have credibility, Mitt."
Newt Gingrich, the former House of Representatives Speaker, also piled into Mr Romney, saying "There's a lot of big government behind Romneycare."
Mr Santorum and Mr Romney shouted over each other, with the latter repeating that he wanted to repeal the Obama plan.
But the most heated clash was between Mr Perry and Mr Romney over immigration, with each candidate speaking over the other.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." Mr Perry said: "Mitt, you lose all of your standing, from my perspective, because you hired illegals in your home and you knew about it for a year."
He charged Mr Romney with "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.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. 'Cut aid to Israel'
He appeared to struggle to hold on to his composure as he appealed to debate moderator Anderson Cooper to stop Mr Perry interrupting. Mr Romney - who has struggled to energise the party's conservative base despite polls showing he is the Republican with the best chance of beating President Obama - strongly denied the allegation.
"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. A ruffled Romney appealed to debate moderator Anderson Cooper to stop Mr Perry interrupting, telling his rival: "You have a problem with letting other people speak."
Mrs Bachmann launched a personal attack on President Obama over immigration. "It's been a tough couple of debates for Rick, and I understand that," Mr Romney said of Mr Perry, who has suffered from shaky performances at the podium and on the campaign trail.
"Texas has had a 60% increase in illegal immigrants in Texas. If there's someone who has a record as governor with regards to illegal immigration that doesn't stand up to muster, it's you, not me," said Mr Romney.
Representative Michele Bachmann meanwhile 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".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 Romney then put Mr Perry on the defensive over an evangelical pastor with ties to the Texas governor who criticised Mormonism.
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. "The idea that we should choose people, based on their religion, for public office is what I find to be most troubling," said Mr Romney, a Mormon. Mr Perry replied that he did not agree with what the preacher had said.
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. The Texas governor also suggested the US should consider "de-funding" the United Nations, citing its recent acceptance of a Palestinian application for membership.
Texas Representative Ron Paul and former House of Representatives Speaker Newt Gingrich also took part in Tuesday's debate. Texas Representative Ron Paul Paul urged slashing defence spending, suggesting not just that the US should have fewer overseas military bases, but that it should cut all foreign aid, including to Israel.
Former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman boycotted the debate after Nevada moved its caucus up to 14 January. Ex-Utah Governor Jon Huntsman boycotted the debate after Nevada moved its caucus up to 14 January.