Republican Debate Showdown: Contenders in First Major 2012 Battle

Seven Republicans competing for their party's Presidential nomination will participate in the first major debate of the 2012 campaign.

It is unclear how the debate will affect any one candidate's momentum in the campaign. However the latest GOP presidential polls show Mitt Romney as the early favorite.

Here is a brief guide to tonight's debate:

Who: 7 Republican Candidates

What: 1^st Major GOP Presidential Debate

When: 8 P.M. EST

Where: St. Anselm College, Manchester, New Hampshire

Why: The Republican Presidential Primaries do not start until February of 2012 but many of the major candidates have already announced the official start of their campaign and are making stops in several key states where the primaries will first be held.

How: CNN TV, or CNN.com

THE CONTENDERS TONIGHT: Romney and the Rest

Michele Bachmann - House Rep. from Minnesota is a Tea Party movement favorite

Herman Cain - Businessman from Georgia

Newt Gingrich - Former House Speaker from Georgia

Ron Paul - House Rep. from Texas

Tim Pawlenty - Former Minnesota Governor

Mitt Romney - Former Massachusetts Governor

Rick Santorum - Former Senator from Pennsylvania

POLL: Romney Leading, Palin in Second

The latest CNN Poll, taken from June 3 to June 7 shows people surveyed would be most likely to Support Romney, with 24 percent stating that after being read a list which included many of the candidates in Monday's event.

Romney, 24 percent

Sarah Palin, 20 percent, has not announced candidacy

Rudy Giuliani, 12 percent, has not announced candidacy

Herman Cain, 10 percent

Newt Gingrich, 10 percent

Ron Paul, 7 percent

Michelle Bachmann, 4 percent, has not announced candidacy

Tim Pawlenty, 3 percent

Jon Huntsman, 1 percent, set to announce candidacy

Rick Santorum, 1 percent

Others/None/No Opinion: 7 percent