GOP debate: Contenders square off ahead of Iowa caucus

Republican presidential hopefuls faced off Thursday night ahead of the party's first primary test: The Feb. 1 Iowa caucus.

The debate, at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines, Iowa, featured every top-polling candidate among the crowded GOP field — except for front-runner Donald Trump.

Citing his displeasure with debate host Fox News, Trump instead headlined a competing event. His competitors, including Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, have accused the businessman of cowardice.