Top 10 candidates in first 2016 GOP debate
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Donald Trump, 68. President of Trump Org.

Outspoken business mogul and TV personality. Focuses on border security, coming under fire for controversial remarks about immigrants

Jeb Bush, 62. Former Governor of Florida

Son of one president and brother of another. Moderate positions on immigration and other social issues could hinder him in primaries

Scott Walker, 47. Governor of Wisconsin

Lacks name recognition of other candidates, but has support of donors looking for more conservative alternative to Bush


Mike Huckabee, 59. Former Arkansas Governor

Ran unsuccessfully in 2008. Declined to run in 2012 despite his popularity with influential evangelical leaders and voters

Ben Carson, 63. Retired neurosurgeon

From humble background, rose to be director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Favourite of conservative activists

Ted Cruz, 44. U.S. Senator for Texas

Harvard-educated son of Cuban immigrant and Tea Party favourite, Cruz spoke in Senate for 21 hours against Obama’s healthcare law

Marco Rubio, 44. U.S. Senator for Florida

Son of Cuban immigrants, conservative on fiscal and social issues but role in bipartisan immigration reform package cost him support

Rand Paul, 52. U.S. Senator for Kentucky

Libertarian who casts himself as anti- establishment reformer who could win
over young and minority voters

Chris Christie, 52. Governor of New Jersey

Moderate, but with abrasive edge. Has vowed to bridge Washington’s partisan divide but support waning amid troubles in home state

John Kasich, 63. Governor of Ohio

Represents important election swing state. Has record of fiscal conservatism and experience with national security
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Source: Wire agencies Pictures: Getty Images
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