Republican presidential candidates debate in Orlando

The group of nine presidential hopefuls gather for the third time in 15 days.

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Republican presidential candidates debate in Orlando. From left, Texas Gov. Rick Perry, former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney and Rep. Michele Bachmann (Minn.) listen to Jon Huntsman Jr.

Mark Wilson / GETTY IMAGES

Mitt Romney answers a question, with Rick Perry in the background. The two candidates tangled on issues including Social Security and health care on Thursday night.

SCOTT AUDETTE / REUTERS

Former House speaker Newt Gingrich (Ga.) speaks as former senator Rick Santorum (Pa.) listens. Nearly all the candidates played more visible roles in this debate than in the previous two.

/ REUTERS

Rep. Michele Bachmann listens as businessman Herman Cain makes a statement during the debate. Candidates criticized President Obama repeatedly during the debate.

Phelan M. Ebenhack / AP

A large screen at the Orange County Convention Center shows Mitt Romney.

Mark Wilson / GETTY IMAGES

Gov. Rick Perry, left, stands next to Jon Huntsman Jr. Many of the questions at the debate were solicited from citizens nationwide.

Mark Wilson / GETTY IMAGES

From left, candidates Gary Johnson, Rick Santorum, Newt Gingrich, Rep. Ron Paul (Tex.), Gov. Rick Perry, Mitt Romney, Rep. Michele Bachmann, Herman Cain and Jon Huntsman Jr.

Mark Wilson / GETTY IMAGES

Members of the audience cheer at the start of the debate, which comes two days before the Florida straw poll.

Mark Wilson / GETTY IMAGES

Mitt Romney, left, and Herman Cain, were two of the nine contenders at the debate, hosted by Fox News, Google and the Republican Party of Florida.

SCOTT AUDETTE / REUTERS

Gov. Rick Perry poses for pictures with guests after speaking at the Faith and Freedom Coalition rally, held before the GOP debate in Orlando.

Mark Wilson / GETTY IMAGES

Rep. Ron Paul walks up to speak at the rally put on by the Faith and Freedom Coalition, a group that is organizing social conservatives to vote next year.

Mark Wilson / GETTY IMAGES

At the rally, Michele Bachmann emphasized her opposition to same-sex marriage and urged voters to select a strong conservative as the party’s nominee.

Mark Wilson / GETTY IMAGES

At the rally, Herman Cain proved a crowd favorite and issued a denunciation of Obama.

Mark Wilson / GETTY IMAGES

Tea party member Kay Alfonso listens to speakers at the rally.

Mark Wilson / GETTY IMAGES

Mitt Romney greets guests after speaking at the rally.

Mark Wilson / GETTY IMAGES

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