South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott's presidential campaign is pressing the Republican National Committee on the qualifications for the Sept. 27 debate in Simi Valley, California.
Scott, who, according to The New York Times, has already qualified for the second debate, has, on behalf of his campaign, proposed criteria that would likely place him closer to the center of the stage, ostensibly for more talking time. During the first debate in Milwaukee, Scott spoke for a total of 8 minutes and 15 seconds.
According to Axios, Scott's campaign manager, Jennifer DeCasper, in two letters sent to RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel late Tuesday, pressed the political committee that its emphasis on national polling overshadowed polling in early primary states such as Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada, and South Carolina.
"Relying on national polling results for the podium placement simply would not represent where the candidates actually stand in relation to where we are in the process with the voters," she wrote. Additionally, Iowa is the first contest in the primary season, and "polling results from Iowa should be the primary consideration for podium placement at the September debate."
DeCasper also proposed criteria for the unscheduled third debate, such as polling at 7% in two of the four early primary states or reaching a "to-be-determined" national polling level in two surveys.
In response, RNC spokeswoman Emma Vaugh told Axios: "The debate committee has had a very thoughtful approach to the entire process, and we continue to welcome input from all candidates, partners and stakeholders ... We look forward to hosting another fair and transparent debate stage in Simi Valley."
Nick Koutsobinas ✉
Nick Koutsobinas, a Newsmax writer, has years of news reporting experience. A graduate from Missouri State University’s philosophy program, he focuses on exposing corruption and censorship.
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