New Hampshire Debate: News & Updates From GOP Presidential Forum

Seven Republican presidential hopefuls are facing off in New Hampshire's first presidential debate of the 2012 election season Monday night.

The list of names taking part in the forum includes: U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.), former Godfather's Pizza CEO Herman Cain, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, U.S. Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas), former Minnesota governor Tim Pawlenty, former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney, and former U.S. Senator Rick Santorum (R-Pa.).

All of the participants have officially launched campaigns for the White House in the next election cycle with the exception of Bachmann, who is expected to officially announce her candidacy for president later this month in Iowa.

Two new polls out on the evolving primary match-up show Romney to be running ahead of the pack. The race for the Republican presidential nomination, however, remains far from settled.

Granite State-based outlets WMUR and the Union Leader, along with CNN , are sponsoring the debate being held at St. Anselm College on Monday night.

Click here for a rundown on five things to watch in the forum. Below, a live blog on the latest developments to unfold out of New Hampshire.