Monday marked the first major presidential debate between candidates running for the Republican nomination for president.

On Brazos Valley This Morning Tuesday, Republican political strategist Matt Mackowiak joined the show to give his analysis on the race.

Mackowiak is the founder of the Potomac Strategy Group based in Washington, DC. He also was the campaign manager for Rep. Bill Flores (R-District 17) last year.

To hear his views on the performance of the seven candidates, click on the video attached above. Mackowiak also addresses the rumors that Texas Governor Rick Perry is considering a presidential run of his own.

You can also click on the link provided to see clips from the entire debate, which aired on CNN.

Below are stories from the Associated Press on the debate.

-----

MANCHESTER, N.H. -- Republican Rep. Michele Bachmann of Minnesota has formally entered the presidential race.

The tea party favorite announced Monday that she has filed papers to kick off her bid for the GOP nomination to challenge President Barack Obama next year. Her comments came in the opening minutes of a televised debate involving her and six other Republican hopefuls.

Bachmann has drawn large crowds in Iowa and elsewhere by championing the tea party goals of social conservatism and deep cuts in government spending and regulation.

-----

MANCHESTER, N.H. -- Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty is defending his fiscal plan by saying a projection of unprecedented
economic growth for 10 years is not unreasonable.

Pawlenty said in a televised GOP presidential debate Monday night that critics of his plan are being defeatist. He said Brazil and China have achieved 5 percent annual economic growth and so can the United States.

Pawlenty has proposed deep cuts in taxes and spending, saying they would boost the economy.

Many nonpartisan economists say Pawlenty's projections are wildly optimistic and would lead to deeper deficits.

-----

MANCHESTER, N.H. -- Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and Texas Congressman Ron Paul are disagreeing on how quickly to withdraw U.S. troops from Afghanistan.

Romney said at a Republican presidential debate Monday that generals in Afghanistan should guide the pullout schedule based to conditions on the ground. He said the troops should come home as soon as possible under those conditions.

Paul said the president must tell generals what to do. He said if he were president he would begin withdrawing troops almost immediately. He said the United States has no purpose fighting a war in Afghanistan.