It wasn't a debate, but several of the Republican presidential candidates were at least in the same building this morning to talk about their plans to increase manufacturing jobs in the country.
Rick Perry was the first to speak at the event, with former Sen. Rick Santorum, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann and Texas Rep. Ron Paul waiting in the wings.
Many of the questions focused on manufacturing jobs and energy subsidies, specifically ethanol - a big deal to farmers in Iowa.
While he didn't say he would eliminate the subsidies, he did tell the audience, "I do not think it is the federal government's business to be picking winners and losers in any of our energy sources."
Perry said research and development was the only place he thinks the government should continue to be engaged.
The governor did not have any stumbles - like we've seen in some of his debate performances. He also showed a much more calm demeanor than what was seen over the weekend at a New Hampshire event.
Perry will spend the rest of the day campaigning in Iowa. He's back on the debate stage next Wednesday in Michigan.
An archived video of the event will be available on the Iowa Public Television website later today.
