State of the Union Early Bird for January 8, 2012

(CNN)-It's early, and State of the Union is bringing you the best of the morning headlines to go with your cup of coffee.

We're live from Manchester, New Hampshire this morning to bring you analysis of last night's debate with Romney supporter John Sununu and Gingrich adviser Bob Walker, not to mention our interview with GOP presidential candidate Jon Huntsman.

Check out what we're reading, and watch the show today at 9am/12pm ET.

Truth Squad: Fact checking the GOP debate

N.H. debate raises variety of issues, but Romney?s lead is largely untouched

Romney Spared in Republican Debate

Heading into N.H. primary, GOP finds itself stuck

Former governor John Sununu, another Romney backer, said Friday at the GOP dinner in Nashua, ?There?s much less movement here than there has been in the past.? He insisted that the lack of volatility didn?t mean a lack of excitement, but polls show that the ?enthusiasm gap? that so favored Republicans in 2010 has narrowed considerably in recent months.

Gingrich: Romney win would hurt GOP

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich said the party?s core principles would be undermined if frontrunner Mitt Romney wins the nomination.

?I think it would certainly lead to deep questions about what we stand for and who we are,? Mr. Gingrich told The Washington Times Saturday. ?I think it sends very conflicting messages. Clear Reagan conservatism is vastly more likely to put together a majority.?

As Primary Looms in N.H., Donor Gives Lift to Gingrich

As candidates spent the weekend trying to catch up to Mitt Romney in New Hampshire, with the primary just two days away, a longtime supporter of Newt Gingrich donated $5 million to a ?super PAC? backing his presidential bid, providing a major boost to Mr. Gingrich?s ailing campaign.

Huntsman, Out of Options, Bets It All on New Hampshire

Mr. Reid said he would vote Huntsman in the Republican presidential primary on Tuesday. But, calling himself ?a realist,? he added, ?Say Romney does get the nomination or something like that: could you see yourself working in an executive position for him in some capacity??

Pausing for a moment, Mr. Huntsman pursed his lips and said as politely as he could, ?Don?t want to even contemplate that.?

Candidates look to make mark, and autograph-seekers oblige

?

Thanks for reading!

Watch State of the Union with Candy Crowley Sundays at 9am ET. For the latest from State of the Union click here.

Source: http://rss.cnn.com/~r/rss/cnn_politicalticker/~3/UyaAg9IP4Pk/

sam shepard san francisco 49ers san francisco 49ers ben roethlisberger pittsburgh steelers 49ers news johnny knox