Rick Perry latest to skip Trump-moderated debate

[oberliner]

The planned Donald Trump-moderated Republican presidential debate seems to be turning into a bust.

Rick Perry's campaign indicated Thursday that the Texas governor will not participate, saying he will be focused instead on meeting Iowa voters.

"Traditional retail campaigning in the days and weeks leading up to the Iowa caucus is the Perry campaign's top priority," said Perry spokesman Ray Sullivan. Perry is one of a number of GOP presidential candidates who has met with Trump seeking his endorsement.

Three candidates - Mitt Romney, Ron Paul and Jon Huntsman - have previously said they would not participate in the December 27 debate in Des Moines. Huntsman and Paul mocked the event, with Paul deeming it "beneath the office of the presidency," while Romney said his busy schedule precludes his participation.

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-57339538-503544/rick-perry-latest-to-skip-trump-moderated-debate/