Stakes are high for Republican presidential candidates in tonight's GOP debate

Tonight, seven Republican candidates for president will take to the stage in Las Vegas for a crucial nationally televised debate co-hosted by CNN and the Republican Western Leadership Conference.

The candidates are likely to address the key issues facing the nation, such as unemployment, foreclosures and illegal immigration, as Mitt Romney seeks to cement his status as the frontrunner in the race.  However, Romney will have to fend off a serious challenge from Herman Cain, the former CEO of Godfather's Pizza, who has been moving up in the polls.

Today on American Morning, Carol Costello sits down with Jon Ralston, a columnist for the Las Vegas Sun, to get his take on what Nevada voters are looking for in a potential GOP nominee.