Huckabee, Santorum to attend Trump event

At least two Republican presidential candidates will be attending Donald Trump's debate alternative at Drake University.

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and former Pennsylvania U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum both say they will be attending the New York businessman's event.

Trump's event, which will benefit veterans' organizations, will be at the same time his counterparts will be debating Thursday in Des Moines. Trump has been feuding with the debate's host, Fox News, and moderator Megyn Kelly.

The boycott decision stems from Trump's long-running feud with Fox and Kelly following the first Republican debate in August, when Kelly questioned Trump about his past statements regarding women.

Thursday's prime-time debate starts at 8 p.m. before an audience of about 1,500 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines. The earlier undercard debate will start at 4 p.m. Trump's alternative event will be held at Drake's Sheslow Auditorium. Doors open at 5 p.m., with a pre-program scheduled for 7 and the event beginning at 8.