The Democratic debate scheduled for Feb. 19 in Las Vegas, just before the Nevada caucus, will eliminate the requirement that the candidates onstage have a specified number of donors, AP reports.
Why it matters: That decision could open the stage to billionaire Mike Bloomberg, who has been self-funding his free-spending campaign.
The requirements:
- Candidates will need at least 10% in four national polls or polls of Nevada or South Carolina; or at least 12% in two Nevada or South Carolina polls.
- A candidate may also qualify if they get at least one delegate from Iowa or New Hampshire.
The candidates who currently qualify:
The big picture: So far, seven candidates — but not Bloomberg — will be on the debate stage Feb. 7 in New Hampshire.
Go deeper: Klobuchar says Bloomberg should be on the debate stage
