First New Hampshire GOP primary debate announced

The first presidential debate for the 2012 New Hampshire GOP primary has been set for June 7, 2011.

It will be sponsored by the New Hampshire Union Leader, WMUR-TV and CNN. The three news organizations have co-hosted several debates together during previous presidential contests.

Information on the location, exact time and participants will be announced at a later date.

“CNN is thrilled to again be working with the Union Leader and WMUR to produce a New Hampshire debate,” said Sam Feist, CNN’s political director and vice president of Washington programming, in a release. “New Hampshire’s unique role in the presidential nominating process will make this first New Hampshire debate a critical event of the 2012 presidential campaign.”

The Reagan Presidential Foundation announced plans earlier this year to host the first GOP presidential debate of the 2012 election cycle in spring 2011 and a second GOP debate on the eve of the Super Tuesday primaries.