"It will be a successful debate:" Big week for politics in Wisconsin as Milwaukee hosts GOP debate
MILWAUKEE -- Sunday marked the one-year mark from the 2016 presidential election, but crews at the Milwaukee Theatre were focused on a more short-term goal -- getting the venue ready for Tuesday's Republican primary debate.
The Milwaukee debate is the fourth for Republican presidential candidates, and the first since a controversial CNBC debate last month that led candidates to complain about "gotcha" questions.
FOX Business Network and the Wall Street Journal, which are hosting the Milwaukee debate, are lengthening the time for candidate responses. But executives say they won't cave to candidates' demands.
"I don't think there will be any complaints about what happens here," said Cherie Grzech, senior director of politics for FOX News. "We`re going to go out there and do what we do every day -- which is ask tough questions and inform the public, and in the end, it will be a successful debate."
The main event is scheduled for 8 p.m. Central time, while the undercard will start at 6 p.m.
The Milwaukee Theatre has its advantages when it comes to hosting a debate, production crews said Sunday.
"The stage is already here. The seats are already in house -- so it`s easier in certain ways to be in a theatre like this," said Jamie Rios, FOX News production manager.
The venue even has dressing rooms for the candidates.
FOX Business Network is allowing more time for candidates to speak -- 90 seconds per answer and 60 seconds per rebuttal. The network's staff said jobs and the economy will be a focus of the questions.
The main debate will feature just eight candidates -- the fewest of any GOP debate so far in the campaign -- because of the polling average that FOX Business used as its criteria.
"For some, there`s a disappointment about how many may be on the stage. But I think, as far as the answers are concerned, you`ll see a different dynamic," Grzech said.
GOP Milwaukee debate
GOP Milwaukee debate undercard candidates
The FOX News crews have put on debates in the past -- including the first GOP debate of this campaign cycle, in Cleveland this August. Yet they said it doesn't get old.
"We`re getting a chance to set these up for the potential next president of the United States -- knowing that at the end of it, they`re comfortable and they`re happy with what they did. It`s a great thing," Rios said.
Marco Rubio and Jeb Bush have events planned in the Milwaukee area Monday, November 9th -- Rubio has scheduled a 2 p.m. rally in Pewaukee, while Bush is scheduled to be at a charter school in Waukesha at 3 p.m..
Rand Paul is hosting a charter school roundtable event in Milwaukee at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday.
CLICK HERE for further GOP Milwaukee debate coverage via FOX6Now.com.