McCain, Brownback admit never reading intelligence report on Iraq

MANCHESTER, N.H. — A total of 10 Republican candidates for president debated Tuesday night in Manchester, New Hampshire.

Senators John McCain and Sam Brownback both admitted they voted to authorize the US-led military invasion of Iraq without reading the formal National Intelligence Estimate in advance.

The confession drew a jab from former Virginia Governor Jim Gilmore in the opening moments of a presidential campaign debate.

Gilmore said that members of Congress "ought to read at least that kind of material."

California Congressman Duncan Hunter said he had — the only member of Congress on the debate stage to make the claim.