LAS VEGAS -- The leading Republican presidential candidates clashed in a debate at the Venetian Hotel and Casino. Many subjects unique to Nevada, from foreclosures to Yucca Mountain, became heated topics.
Early in the debate, Mitt Romney and Herman Cain sparred over how Cain's 9-9-9 tax plan would affect Nevada, a state with no income tax. Romney pointed out that under Cain's plan, Nevada residents will pay a nine percent federal sales tax on top of the state sales tax they already pay.
"You're doing the same thing that they're doing. You're mixing apples and oranges," said Cain. "You're going to pay the state sales tax, no matter what."
Perry talked about Nevada's mining industry.
"We need to recognize that the administration that we have today is blocking mining that could be going on in the state of Nevada. I talked to Brian Sandoval before I came in here today. You have an administration that is killing jobs because they want to move us to a green energy," he said.
CNN's Anderson Cooper asked if the candidates support the Yucca Mountain nuclear waste project in Nye County. Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich said the site needs strict scientific scrutiny, but Congressman Ron Paul took a much stronger tone.
"What right does 49 states have to punish one state and say, 'We're going to put our garbage in your state.' I think that's wrong," he said.
Among the final subjects was the foreclosure debate and what the candidates would do to confront Nevada's home foreclosure rate -- the highest in the nation.
"People who did things that were wrong, invested in things, took risks, were bailed out, and the folks who acted responsibly are now getting hurt because their houses have gone down in value. We need to let the market work, and that's what hasn't been happening so far," said candidate Rick Santorum.
"President Obama has failed you on this issue of housing and foreclosures. I will not fail you on this issue. I will turn this country around. We will turn the economy around. We will create jobs. That's how you hold on to your house. Hold on moms out there, it's not too late," said Congresswoman Michele Bachmann.
After every debate, Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval stood by in support of Governor Rick Perry. The governor defended how state government created a form of foreclosure assistance for Nevadans.
"We have a mediation program that is the model for the United States of America and it allows troubled homeowners to reach a conclusion or reach a way to work things out," he said.
After the debate, the Democratic National Committee was waiting to give their response. They believe GOP front-runner Mitt Romney showed his flaws, especially in his statements about fixing the housing crisis.
"He came here to Nevada and said we should just let the foreclosure process play itself out -- let people lost their homes, let the banks buy them up and the banks will fix everything. That's not what the people of American want to hear. That's not what the people of Nevada want to hear," said Brad Woodhouse with the DNC.
Crowds quickly reacted to the showdown. They have their favorite candidates, and many in the audience did not like how the debate got so testy.
"I didn't like the bickering. I didn't like the bickering back and forth," said Henderson resident Robert Sulliman.
Republicans watched the presidential hopefuls and only one will be the nominee. As candidates clashed, opinions quickly formed and some voters now have a list of who should drop out. In a one-on-one interview, even Mr. Las Vegas himself sounded off.
"I think Governor Romney is the winner hands down. I think the loser hands down is Governor Perry," said Wayne Newton.
And no matter who won and no matter who will be the GOP nominee, Republicans are ready to voice their choice.
"The number one objective is to beat President Obama," said Sulliman.
The Democrats will have their big evening when President Obama comes into town Monday.
Former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman skipped this debate, saying he was boycotting the Nevada caucuses in a dispute over the primary and caucus calendar. He is campaigning exclusively in New Hampshire in hopes of a victory that can move him into the thick of the race.
