SIOUX CITY, Iowa — The candidates leading the Republican presidential field in Iowa were careful to mostly avoid throwing punches at Thursday’s debate, recognizing an Iowan disdain for the kind of slugfest that undercut past presidential hopefuls.

There were few stumbles in the Fox News debate, the 13th among the candidates, and front-runner Newt Gingrich walked away relatively unscathed, despite opponents’ accusations that he lobbied for mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, entities that most Republicans want dismantled.

Recommended Stories

National Democrats leave Mary Peltola to fend for herself amid Alaska Senate scandal

Colorado firebombing attack suspect pleads guilty to hate crimes against Jews

Polymarket halts trading after ‘security incident’ siphons $2.65 million in minutes