CNN has announced the
debate lineup for its two GOP debates set for Tuesday in Las Vegas.
Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul made the cut the for main stage debate.
He had hinted he might withdraw from the race if he didn't.
Nine candidates will be on the main stage at 8:30 p.m. Eastern Time. They will again be placed at podiums based on their national poll standings.
That will put businessman Donald Trump front and center with neurosurgeon Ben Carson and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz on either side.
The remaining candidates on the main stage will be Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, businesswoman Carly Fiorina, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, Ohio Gov. John Kasich and Paul.
The early debate made up of lower-tier candidates will include former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum, former New York Gov. George Pataki and South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham.
The earlier debate will air at 6 p.m. Eastern Time.
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