Expect More Political Fireworks At Tonight's GOP Debate
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DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - In the GOP presidential primary, the stakes keep growing as the number of candidates keeps shrinking.
As a result, analysts expect more political fireworks at tonight's Republican debate in Detroit.
Only four of the five remaining candidates will attend: Billionaire Donald Trump, Texas Senator Ted Cruz, Florida Senator Marco Rubio, and Ohio Governor John Kasich.
Even though retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson won't take part in the debate, the dynamics of the televised event won't change.
Analysts say look for Cruz and Rubio to each attack Trump, the frontrunner.
Cruz and Rubio may also target each other.
Ever since Super Tuesday when Cruz won Texas, Oklahoma, and Alaska, he has asked the other candidates to "prayerfully consider" dropping out so that he can go head to head with the real estate mogul.
SMU Political Science professor Cal Jillson says the two senators must effectively punch Trump and score points, which is why many expect it will be combative.
"I think it does have to be becauseTrump is the frontrunner. He's the presumptive nominee and you have two guys who are now long shots, who have to reel him in," says Jilson.
None of the candidates can afford major gaffes.
Ohio Governor John Kasich may have an opportunity to shine because he doesn't get mixed up in all of the attacks.
NEXT STATES
The next Republican contests are Saturday in Kentucky, Maine, Louisiana, and Kansas.
The latest poll in Kansas shows Trump with a 12 point lead while Cruz is just ahead of Rubio.
Rubio will be in that state all day Friday.
Cruz returns to Kansas Saturday morning after hold two events there on Wednesday.
Each would love a win there.
In Louisiana, the Real Clear Politics average of polls shows Trump with a 19 point lead over Cruz.
He will be in Mandeville, Louisiana Friday night while Trump will be in nearby New Orleans that same night.
Trump campaigned in Maine Thursday and Cruz will do so Friday morning.
For now, Trump has 90 more delegates than Cruz.
But both Rubio and Cruz need to win more states and delegates to stay viable or else Trump will likely continue on his path toward the nomination.
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