GOP plans December presidential debate in Nevada

CARSON CITY — Fresh on the heels of the announcement of a Democratic presidential debate in Nevada in October, the state GOP on Friday posted on its Facebook page that the Republican National Committee is planning its own Silver State debate in December.

Details are still being worked out for Nevada to host the GOP presidential candidates and no other information was immediately available.

The Facebook post said only that the Nevada Republican Party is joining forces with the RNC to host the event. It also asked those interested in helping out to contact the state GOP.

Nevada is an early caucus state and a major focus of the crowded Republican presidential field. Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush has scheduled another visit to Nevada on Wednesday, with events both in Reno and Las Vegas.

On Aug. 15 several GOP candidates plan to attend state Attorney General Adam Laxalt's Inaugural Basque Fry at the Corley Ranch in Gardnerville, including Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, businesswoman Carly Fiorina, and Dr. Ben Carson. The event is sold out.

The Democratic National Committee announced Thursday that Nevada will host the first of six presidential primary debates for Democrats on Oct. 13.

The Nevada debate will be hosted by CNN, followed by five other debates in states that will hold what are considered some of the most important early caucus and primary contests — Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina, Florida and Wisconsin.

Contact Sean Whaley at swhaley@reviewjournal.com or 775-687-3900. Find him on Twitter: @seanw801.