After previous debates that seemed tame by comparison, the Las Vegas showdown among the seven GOP contenders for president turned downright nasty, as personal attacks and accusations were aimed against numerous candidates.

Bill Adair, editor of "Politifact," joins American Morning today to fact check some of the statements and claims made at last night's debate.

Last night, Republican presidential candidates participated in what may well have been the nastiest GOP debate yet this year.  Mitt Romney and Rick Perry got into a heated verbal exchange, with both candidates slinging personal attacks.

Today on American Morning, Carol Costello talks with Eric Fehrnstrom, the senior adviser for Romney's campaign, to discuss Romney's campaign strategy and his performance in last night's debate.

Things got heated at last night's Western Republican Presidential Debate.  The attacks were frequent – and often personal.  Rick Perry, seeking to regain some momentum, came out swinging at Mitt Romney – accusing him of hiring illegal immigrants.

However, Romney was quick and eager to fire back, accusing  Perry of failing to secure the Texas border and  raising questions about his support for a law that grants in-state college tuition to the children of illegal immigrants.  Meanwhile, frontrunner Herman Cain managed to avoid most of the big blows, finishing the debate relatively unscathed.

Carol Costello sits down with CNN contributors John Avlon and Ron Brownstein on American Morning today to get their thoughts on how the debate influenced the GOP presidential race.

Last night's GOP debate was particularly important for the people of Las Vegas.  With a foreclose rate seven times the national average, Las Vegas homeowners are drowning underwater – and are looking for a commander in chief who has the answers to turn this economy around.

Today on American Morning, Carol Costello sits down with Tracy Smith and Bill Sidhu, who both attended last nights debate, to get their thoughts on which candidates stood out from the pack  – and which they believe are falling by the wayside.