Kari Lake may appear on TV on Trump's behalf after GOP presidential debate in Milwaukee
Kari Lake might be on TV in place of Donald Trump next week, according to news reports that the leading GOP presidential candidate could send surrogates to the first primary debate in his place.
Trump has not agreed to participate in the FOX News-hosted Republican debate in Milwaukee, and while he could change his mind, CNN and NBC are reporting that Lake, who lost a bid for Arizona governor last year, will travel to the Badger State on his behalf.
"Trump’s advisers have also been coordinating with his surrogates to represent him in the spin room in Milwaukee next week, and have been in talks with former Arizona gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake, Reps. Byron Donalds and Matt Gaetz of Florida and other Republicans in Congress to attend the debate next week," CNN reported.
The spin room is an interview room where supporters of the various candidates are interviewed after the debate.
However, it is unclear whether the network would allow such supporters to appear on camera if Trump himself does not participate in the debate.
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Lake's campaign did not immediately respond to questions about her travel plans for the debate.
The two-hour debate is Wednesday, and will air on FOX channels starting at 6 p.m. Arizona time.
Trump is far outpacing his nearest GOP rival, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, in polling, showing little need to debate to emerge from the primary election despite four pending criminal indictments.
NBC News also reported Lake would travel to Milwaukee for the debate, along with Trump allies in the House of Representatives, including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., Gaetz and Donalds.
As many as eight Republicans could participate in the debate at this point, having met the polling and donor requirements. Participants also must sign a pledge to support the eventual GOP nominee in the general election. Trump has said he won't do that because there are some candidates he could not support.
Candidates who could qualify include Trump, DeSantis, South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, biotechnology entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley and former Vice President Mike Pence.
Between 4,000 and 6,000 people will be allowed to view the debate at Fiserv Forum, home to the Milwaukee Bucks NBA team. FOX News anchors Martha MacCallum and Bret Baier will be on stage.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Kari Lake may represent Donald Trump at GOP presidential debate
