Fiorina ups the ante: $2M to debate Trump

Republican presidential candidate Carly Fiorina is raising the stakes for a one-on-one debate with GOP front-runner Donald Trump.

“My campaign will also donate $1.5 million to veterans’ cause to join debate Saturday night in Sioux City,” she tweeted late Wednesday, referencing a previous challenge from rival candidate Ted Cruz.

{mosads}“Upping the ante, I’m free tomorrow night at 8 p.m., @realDonaldTrump,” Fiorina added, citing Trump’s own event.  “My campaign will give $2M to veterans’ causes to debate at Drake U.”

Trump is steadfastly refusing to appear the seventh GOP presidential debate, scheduled for Thursday evening in Des Moines, Iowa. He has repeatedly accused host network Fox News of bias against him, citing a critical press release and his past interactions with moderator Megyn Kelly.

The outspoken billionaire announced late Wednesday that he will hold a competing event during the GOP debate. The Donald J. Trump Special Event to Benefit Veterans Organizations is taking place at Drake University, three miles from the debate’s location in Des Moines.

Trump’s campaign is billing it as a fundraiser that will aid veterans.

Cruz, Trump’s closest competition in the GOP race, has since challenged the billionaire to a one-on-one debate Saturday evening.

Super-PACs aligned with the senator revealed late Wednesday that they would donate $1.5 million to military veterans’ charities if Trump accepts the challenge.

Cruz said Wednesday evening that he has reserved a venue for the potential clash at Western Iowa Tech in Sioux City. He said the event would last two hours and could feature moderators such as conservative radio personalities and likely Iowa caucusgoers.

“We have a venue, we have a time,” Cruz said in West Des Moines. “All we’re missing is a candidate.”

Fiorina did not make the cut for Thursday evening’s main stage based on her national polling results. She is scheduled to appear in the undercard bout instead.