Republicans suspend partnership with NBC

Annoyed by CNBC’s handling of this week’s presidential debate, the Republican National Committee (RNC) said Friday it is suspending its partnership with NBC News on a primary debate scheduled for February. It was unclear in a letter from RNC chairman Reince Priebus to NBC News chief Andrew Lack whether the party would forbid NBC from televising the Feb. 26 debate and open up the broadcast rights to others. Republicans were angered by what they characterized as petty, non-substantive questions by debate moderators Carl Quintanilla, Becky Quick and John Harwood designed to embarrass the candidates. Individual campaign organizations plan to meet on Sunday to air grievances about the debate process and suggest changes.