By Richard Winger Several newspapers in various states are sponsoring a joint forum for Republican presidential candidates on Monday evening, August 3. The newspapers invited all 17 Republicans who seem to have a genuine campaign, based on how many campaign events they have set up, and whether they have campaign offices and staff. Three of the 17 declined to participate. See this story. The candidates will not appear simultaneously; instead each one will be on the stage alone. If the event had included the candidates speaking to each other, that would have violated Republican National Committee rules, which …read more