GREENVILLE, S.C. – For the second straight presidential election cycle, South Carolina was the site of the first presidential debate.

Thursday, five Republican presidential hopefuls: Former Minnesota governor Tim Pawlenty; Texas Rep. Ron Paul; former Pennsylvania senator Rick Santorum; former New Mexico governor Gary Johnson; and Herman Cain, former CEO of Godfather's Pizza; unofficially kicked off the 2012 campaign debating the issues in Greenville, S.C.

The candidates outlined their positions on a variety of topics including future tactics in the fight against terrorism, gas prices and Medicare.

Each of the candidates hoped they earned early political points in the Palmetto State because, since 1980, no Republican has won the presidential nomination without winning the South Carolina Primary.

South Carolina is tentatively scheduled to host another presidential debate sometime next February, ahead of the actual primary.

The next GOP presidential debate is June 7 in Manchester, N.H.