CNN to hold two heats in GOP debate

by Elliot Smilowitz - 05/20/15 7:45 PM ET

CNN will divide its Sept. 16 Republican primary debate into two heats: one for the top 10 candidates in polling, and one for the rest, the network announced Wednesday.

A presidential candidate must have at least 1 percent support in polling to qualify for the second GOP debate.

{mosads}In addition, to qualify for the debates, a candidate must have visited and have at least one paid campaign aide working in two of the four early-voting states of Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina and Nevada.

“We support and respect the decision CNN has made,” RNC Chairman Reince Priebus said in a statement.

Earlier Wednesday, Fox News announced it would limit its Aug. 6 GOP debate to candidates averaging in the top 10 in polling.

The size of the 2016 Republican field has caused problems for the Republican National Committee. No previous GOP debate has had more than 10 participants.

— Updated at 8:03 p.m.

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