News

The Latest: Debate a chance for rivals to try to slow Trump

Posted February 25, 2016 6:00 am

By The Associated Press

The hall is set before a Republican presidential primary debate at The University of Houston, Thursday, Feb. 25, 2016, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) The Associated Press

HOUSTON (AP) - The Latest on the final Republican presidential debate before Super Tuesday (all times local):

8:20 p.m.

There's one last chance on the debate stage for Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz to slow Donald Trump's momentum before next week's Super Tuesday elections, and it's about to start.

The Thursday night debate in Houston takes place just a few days before 11 states hold GOP primaries that could cement Trump's dominance of the Republican race for president.

The billionaire businessman in on a three-state winning streak. Left standing on stage to challenge him are the two freshman senators, along with Ohio Gov. John Kasich and retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson.

Thursday's debate broadcast on CNN and Telemundo is the only one of the season steered to a Spanish-speaking as well as English-speaking audience, so immigration could be an issue on which the debate turns.

Protesters gather before a Republican presidential primary debate at The University of Houston, Thursday, Feb. 25, 2016, in Houston. (AP Photo/Pat Sullivan) The Associated Press

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump gestures as he speaks at Regent University in Virginia Beach, Va., Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2016. (AP Photo/Steve Helber) The Associated Press

Republican presidential candidate, Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., speaks at a rally Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2016, in Houston. (AP Photo/Pat Sullivan) The Associated Press

Republican presidential candidate, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas speaks during a rally, Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2016, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) The Associated Press

Article Comments

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.