N.H. GOP Debate Will Be Introductory, Have A 'Different Focus'

It's an official kickoff, of sorts, for the New Hampshire primary season. The first nationally televised debate among Republicans hoping to win the party's presidential nomination takes place Monday night.

Seven candidates will share the stage at St. Anselm College on a hilltop overlooking the city of Manchester. The debate will feature Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann, businessman Herman Cain, former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich, Texas Rep. Ron Paul, former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, former Mass. Gov. Mitt Romney, and former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum.

The event — which will be broadcast live across the country — is co-sponsored by CNN, the New Hampshire union leader and WMUR-TV. WMUR's politics analyst joined Morning Edition Monday to set the stage. James Pindell is political director for WMUR.com, where you can find his blog, Political Scoop.