10 Republicans Meet In First GOP Presidential Debate

The 10 rivals tried to show their conservative credentials last night across 90 minutes of debate at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, each claiming to be a worthy heir to the political legacy of the late 40th president. They stressed the importance of persisting in Iraq, called for lower taxes, and a muscular defense and supported spending restraint. The presidential candidates also discussed abortion.

Alone among 10 Republican presidential contenders, Rudy Giuliani said in campaign debate that "it would be OK" if the Supreme Court upholds a 1973 landmark abortion rights ruling. "It would be OK to repeal it. It would be OK also if a strict constructionist viewed it as precedent," said the former New York city mayor, a moderate Republican who is pro-choice. In a party that draws strength from pro-life voters, the other Republican candidates agreed that it would be a great day if the Supreme Court overturns the landmark ruling.

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney acknowledged he had changed his mind on the subject when he began to delve into the issue of cloning. He said his position had once effectively been "pro-choice." Alone among the top three contenders, Arizona Sen. John McCain (R-Arizona) has a career-long record of opposition to abortion.

The field split on another issue, with Sen. Sam Brownback (R-Kansas), former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and Rep. Tom Tancredo (R-Colorado) raising their hands when moderator Chris Matthews asked who did not believe in evolution.

Other participants included former Gov. Jim Gilmore of Virginia; former Gov. Tommy Thompson of Wisconsin; and Reps. Duncan Hunter of California and Ron Paul of Texas.