Two wealthy families that have poured millions into super PACs supporting Sen. Ted Cruz's presidential bid sought to increase the pressure on Donald Trump to debate him one-on-one, saying Wednesday night that they would give $1.5 million to veterans' charities if Trump agreed to the showdown.
“Senator Cruz and Mr. Trump both respect the veterans and hold them in the highest regard but Senator Cruz respects the process and we are calling on Mr. Trump to do the same and debates are the purest form of democracy," the families said in a statement. "Iowans -- and Americans -- deserve to hear from the frontrunners in this ‘two-man race’ one last time. Not only would this be a heck of a debate, but it would also be a terrific opportunity to generate millions of dollars for the veterans."
Earlier Wednesday, Cruz said he had already booked a time and place for the event, which he said should last two hours.
"Western Iowa Tech," he said at an anti-abortion rally in West Des Moines. "8:00 Saturday night, a two-hour, one-on-one debate."
Trump has refused to participate in Thursday's GOP debate, the last to be held before Monday's Iowa caucuses, after clashing with sponsor Fox News.
Instead, Trump plans to hold a competing event at Drake University that his campaign said will benefit veterans.
The Cruz super PAC donors said the money they would give if he agrees to a one-on-one debate would help provide even more support for veterans.
“I am very excited about the opportunity to see how good of a negotiator Donald Trump is,” Neugebauer said in an interview. “He has repeatedly said throughout the process that he can negotiate a great deal, and this is a fantastic opportunity for him to do that for the vets.”