Trump hosts N.H. rally ahead of Iowa caucus

NASHUA, N.H. (AP) — Donald Trump held court in New Hampshire today, while his presidential competitors in both parties hustled through Iowa in a last-minute scramble to win over fence-sitters before the state's crucial caucuses.

Hundreds of voters waited Trump's arrival in Nashua for a rally scheduled the morning after a Fox News debate the Republican front-runner shunned in favor of hosting his own show – an event dedicated to veterans. In Trump's absence, his rivals pummeled each other over health care and immigration in an earnest attempt to show they're the party's best Trump alternative.

Ted Cruz's campaign is aiming to show he will have the cash to go toe-to-toe with the real estate magnate. The Texas senator's campaign announced today it started the year with about $19 million in available money, giving him a financial edge over most of his Republican rivals.

Earlier, his campaign said he'd raised almost $47 million in all of last year, and this month he has continued to collect contributions at a healthy clip. All candidates must report their year-end fundraising and spending activities to federal regulators by Sunday night.