Cruz, Paul, Rubio to face off at forum

Three likely Republican presidential contenders will appear together on a panel Sunday in this year’s first forum of likely candidates. 

Sens. Ted Cruz (Texas), Rand Paul (Ky.) and Marco Rubio (Fla.) will appear at the forum, moderated by ABC’s Jonathan Karl. 

{mosads}The panel, titled the “American Recovery Policy Forum” is part of the winter meeting of Freedom Partners, a conservative, free-market group aligned with the mega-donors Charles and David Koch. It will take place in Palm Springs, Calif.

“Our members care deeply about the future of our nation and we’re honored to host some of today’s most influential and respected leaders in shaping public policy,” James Davis, a spokesman for the group, said in a statement. “We hope that this panel will give each participant the opportunity to lay out their vision for a more free and prosperous society.” 

While the official Republican presidential primary debates do not begin until August, the panel is a sign that joint appearances could begin before that. 

Cruz will also appear at the Iowa Freedom Summit, hosted by Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa), on Saturday. Other possible presidential contenders, including New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, and former Texas Gov. Rick Perry will also speak there. 

The events are a further indication that the jockeying for the nomination has begun even before any candidate has officially announced a candidacy. 

Rubio and Paul, in particular, have clashed over President Obama’s move to open relations with Cuba, and they will now appear side-by-side at the event Sunday. 

The panel will be live streamed at 11:30 p.m. Sunday on ABCNews.com.

This post was updated at 4:44 p.m.