ABC moderators have reminded candidates about time constraints in the debate, but they took a moment to have every candidate address a question that can only be a stalking horse for Newt Gingrich’s record of two divorces and now a third marriage: “Should voters consider marital fidelity when making their choice for president?”

Two responses from the Republican candidates stood out. Gov. Rick Perry, R-Texas, fielded the question first — moderators left Gingrich to answer last — and he made a sharp criticism, implicitly directed at Gingrich. “When I make a vow to God, then I would suggest to you that’s even stronger than a handshake in Texas,” he joked, before adding seriously that “If you will cheat on your wife, if you will cheat on your spouse, than why wouldnt you cheat on your business partner, or why wouldn’t you cheat on anyone else?”