Orlando—Eight Republican Presidential candidates took to the stage tonight in Florida in front of 4,000 Republican activists, over 50 elected officials, and 300 credentialed media to address the nation. The live, primetime debate was presented nationally on Fox News Channel, FoxNews.com, and Fox News Radio.

“Not only did the debate showcase the outstanding qualifications and leadership abilities of our major Republican candidates for President; it also put the State of Florida and the Republican Party of Florida in the national spotlight,” noted Florida Governor Charlie Crist. “We were proud to bring the Republican presidential candidates to Floridians and to the nation.”

The debate was the highlight of the Republican Party of Florida’s Presidency 4 weekend, which offered a full schedule of events to attendees from across Florida, known as “ambassadors,” and many of Florida's elected Republican officials. The debate was moderated by FOX News Channel’s Washington Managing Editor, Brit Hume, and a panel consisting of FOX News Chief Political Correspondent Carl Cameron, FOX News Sunday host Chris Wallace, and FOX News White House Correspondent Wendell Goler. It was presented live on FOX News Channel, FoxNews.com, and FOX News Radio.

“The RPOF debate was a defining moment for the Republican Party of Florida and for the Republican presidential candidates,” remarked RPOF Chairman Jim Greer. “We are less than three months away from the early primary states’ elections, and tonight’s debate offered the candidates the first opportunity to distinguish themselves as we head into this critical phase.”

Participants included Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Senator John McCain, Governor Mitt Romney, Senator Fred Thompson, Governor Mike Huckabee, Congressman Duncan Hunter, Congressman Ron Paul, and Congressman Tom Tancredo.