UPDATE: ABC News says it will host a pre-New Hampshire GOP primary debate on Jan. 18, three nights before CNN‘s planned event.
The scheduling of two debates so close together is unusual, but it underscores the jockeying among the networks to host at least one of the Republican gatherings this cycle.
ABC News said that it was partnering with WMUR-TV and the New Hampshire Republican State Committee for the event. Chris Ager, the chairman of the GOP committee, said in a statement that the debate will be “subject to RNC guidelines.” CNN has its own set of criteria for its debate.
The network also said that the RNC is expected to announce this week that candidates will be released from the requirement that they do not participate in debates not sanctioned by the party.
Read more on deadline.com