The first Republican debate to have top-tier candidates is set for June 13 at Saint Anselm College in New Hampshire. Mitt Romney, Michele Bachmann, and Newt Gingrich will join the four lesser-known candidates who participated in last month's debate in South Carolina--Tim Pawlenty, Ron Paul, Rick Santorum, and Herman Cain. Sarah Palin, Jon Huntsman, and Rudy Giuliani all declined invitations to the event, hosted by CNN, WMUR, and the New Hampshire Union Leader.

The debate comes eight months before the New Hampshire primary. Debaters had to have at least 2 percent support in at least three major national polls in April or May, or average 2 percent in two New Hampshire polls. CNN's John King will moderate, and questions will be asked by local reporters.

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Elspeth Reeve