Social Security could take spotlight in GOP debate

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SALT LAKE CITY -- Republican presidential hopefuls are in Florida for a debate tonight hosted by the Tea Party Express and CNN.

The forum will include the eight contenders who debated last week in California, where Rick Perry made his national debut. Mitt Romney is almost certain to renew his criticisms of Perry for calling Social Security's funding structure "a Ponzi scheme." He said it was a "monstrous lie" to tell younger workers the program would be there when they retire.

One GOP strategist is saying "you don't usually start a campaign by setting grandma's hair on fire." Expect Perry to clarify tonight.

Romney likely will re-affirm his position that Social Security is not a failure and he plans to keep it working.

The candidates also will have their first collective chance to dissect the jobs proposal that President Obama outlined Thursday.

Tea partiers simply want a plain-speaking, real person to emerge. Tampa-area tea party leaders spoke to CNN about that.

Tim Curtis, co-chair of the Tampa 9-12 Project said, "I want to hear that they're going to offer something other than the same, tired old dribble that we've been hearing for years. Like, ‘I have a plan to cut spending. I have a plan to reduce government.'"

Curtis said they want more than just talking points.

"Sometimes talking points aren't bad if they are the important points. So I get that, but there has to be real commitment because everyone can talk the talking points. It's actually a matter of living up to it," he said.

I want to hear that they're going to offer something other than the same, tired old dribble that we've been hearing for years.

–Tim Curtis

This debate may be important for Michelle Bachmann. Her numbers have been slipping since Rick Perry entered the race.

Also taking part in tonight's debate: Jon Huntsman, Ron Paul, Newt Gingrich, Rick Santorum and Herman Cain. The event takes place at 6 p.m. Mountain Time.

Just ahead of the debate, new poll from CNN says Rick Perry currently has the best chance of getting elected versus President Obama. He leads with 30 percent among Republicans and GOP-leaning independents. Mitt Romney got 18 percent.

E-mail: aadams@ksl.com