Governor Scott Walker in New Hampshire for forum that's also a preview of GOP presidential debate

NEW HAMPSHIRE -- Governor Scott Walker was in New Hampshire Monday, August 3rd for a forum, as what will be a big week for the GOP began.

Unlike Thursday's nationally televised presidential debate in Cleveland, Monday night's forum didn't have a cut-off for participation.

In all, 14 Republican presidential candidates were scheduled to participate, a group that includes seven current or former governors, four senators, a businesswoman, a retired neurosurgeon and one former senator.

Not participating was billionaire businessman Donald Trump, who has dominated the GOP primary in recent weeks but is one of the three major candidates who decided not to join.

The top 10 Republican presidential candidates will take part in Thursday's debate. The top candidates will be determined by an average of five different polls.

Speaking of polls -- Donald Trump is currently leading GOP candidates, with 19% support. That's compared with Governor Walker's 15%.

Jeb Bush trails closely behind Walker with 14% support.

Behind Bush are neurosurgeon Ben Carson, Texas Senator Ted Cruz, former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee and Kentucky Senator Rand Paul. They each have less than 10% support.

Thursday's GOP presidential debate takes place at the Quicken Loans Arena -- where preparations are already underway. 4,500 seats will be available.

On Monday, crews hung lighting and put together LED backdrops.

Each candidate taking part in the debate will have his or her own suite inside the arena.

Some protests are planned for Thursday near the arena. Cleveland police say they'll have increased manpower on hand.

The debate is set to air at 9:00 p.m. Thursday on FOX News Channel.