Trump at center stage, but Cruz in spotlight at GOP debate

In this Dec. 12, 2015, photo, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks at a town hall meeting in the Convocation Center on the University of South Carolina Aiken campus in Aiken, S.C. Trump's supporters don't see his plan to ban Muslims from entering the U.S. as "xenophobic" or an "appeal to hate," but rather as an entirely reasonable response to a clear and present threat. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro) In this Dec. 12, 2015, photo, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks at a town hall meeting in the Convocation Center on the University of South Carolina Aiken campus in Aiken, S.C. Trump's supporters don't see his plan to ban Muslims from entering the U.S. as "xenophobic" or an "appeal to hate," but rather as an entirely reasonable response to a clear and present threat. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro)

By Associated Press December 14, 2015 1 min read

WASHINGTON (AP) – Donald Trump will be standing at center stage, but Ted Cruz will be in the spotlight during Tuesday’s Republican presidential debate.

The Texas senator is challenging Trump’s lead in Iowa, and has the money, campaign infrastructure and conservative appeal to compete deep into the GOP primary season. Those potential advantages make him a top target for his rivals, most notably Trump and Florida Sen. Marco Rubio.

Trump and Cruz have been loosely aligned for months, protecting the senator from the criticism the businessman has levied on other opponents. But signs of a split have emerged in recent days.

Cruz appeared to question Trump’s judgment at a private fundraiser, according to audio obtained by The New York Times. Trump later called Cruz “a little bit of a maniac.”