CNN Cancels GOP Debate After Mitt Romney, Ron Paul Decline to Participate

CNN has canceled one of their upcoming GOP presidential primary debates as Mitt Romney and Ron Paul both declined the invitation. The event was scheduled March 1 in Atlanta, Georgia – ahead of Super Tuesday – with both candidates citing busy campaign schedules as their reasoning.

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According to ABC News, Rick Santorum had yet to confirm or decline.

"Mitt Romney and Ron Paul told the Georgia Republican Party, Ohio Republican Party and CNN Thursday that they will not participate in the March 1 Republican presidential primary debate," said a rep for CNN. "Without full participation of all four candidates, CNN will not move forward with the Super Tuesday debate. However, next week, CNN and the Arizona Republican Party will host all four leading contenders for the GOP nomination. That debate will be held in Mesa, Arizona on February 22 and will be moderated by CNN's John King."

“With eight other states voting on March 6, we will be campaigning in other parts of the country and unable to schedule the CNN Georgia debate,” Romney spokesperson Andrea Saul told the National Journal. “We have participated in 20 debates, including eight from CNN."

CNN will continue as planned with their Arizona debate on Feb. 22.