And then there were nine.

Nine Republican rivals have agreed to join the debate being broadcast from Drake University in the state where precinct caucuses launch the presidential nominating season. ABC’s “This Week with George Stephanopoulos” will host the debate, with Stephanopoulos serving as moderator.

The debate will air at 10:00am Eastern Time with nine GOP contenders.

Joining the debate will be Sen. Sam Brownback, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, Rep. Duncan Hunter, Sen. John McCain, Rep. Ron Paul, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, Rep. Tom Tancredo and former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson.

I will try to have occasional updates here. I will also let you know if there is going to be a post debate roundtable at Debate Central.

UPDATE: Thanks to Steveegg for the information that the live debate has already started. My local affiliate obviously plays This Week on tape delay. I guess the No Runny Eggs live thread will start when his local affiliate starts to broadcast as well.

00:00 Introductions in order of poll rank.

No times. I’m watching the delayed broadcast on DVR (further) delay. I also missed quite a bit

Brownback is still stuck on his three state solution for Iraq

McCain on Iraq — Victory or we’ll be back.

Giuliani notes what none of the Dem candidates will say, that this is part of a war against Islamic terrorism.

Romney summarizes Barack Obama’s week. Sit down for tea with our enemies, nuke our allies. “In one week he’s gone from Jane Fonda to Dr. Strangelove.”

Tommy Thompson is a less than inspiring speaker

I guess the Paultards have come to Drake University

Nothing much new from any of them.