LAS VEGAS (AP) - The Democratic National Committee has sanctioned six presidential primary debates, giving long-shot candidates chances to challenge front-runner Hillary Rodham Clinton before television audiences.
The DNC said Tuesday each of the four states that hold an early primary or caucus will host a debate: Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina. The location of the other two debates was not announced. The first debate will take place this fall.
The DNC plan appears aimed at striking a balance between an interest in holding multiple debates and preventing the debate schedule from becoming unmanageable for the candidates. Republicans have scheduled nine primary debates. The Republican National Committee is holding its first debate in August in Cleveland, where the party will hold its 2016 convention.
For Democrats, it remains unclear how many candidates will be on the stage. Clinton is seen as the leading contender for the nomination and looks to have few primary challengers.
Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders announced last week he would seek the Democratic nomination. Former Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley is also expected to run and the field could also include former Virginia Sen. Jim Webb, former Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee and Vice President Joe Biden.