GOP presidential debate hits Main Street in Mesa

MESA, AZ - Politicians talk a great deal about helping Main Street. Now, four GOP candidates will debate on Main Street in Mesa.

As they prepare for their face-off in the Valley, Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum are in a dead heat among Republican voters after Santorum saw a recent surge.

So, will the candidates appeal to the dollar-earning workers that make up America's economic backbone?

It's a quaint-looking downtown -- stucco and adobe facades create a southwestern-themed frame for dozens of small, locally owned businesses lined up behind street lamps and green trees.

Here you can find Earl Rogers sitting behind a gleaming silver hot dog cart. A big umbrella shades him from the onslaught of the Sonoran sun as members of the national media erect their satellite dishes and light stands.

He looks like America's working class.

He is a self-made businessman who is paying close attention to what the four candidates will say during Wednesday's debate.

"I want to know what their definition of the Republican Party is," he said.

Swearing by an honest dollar for honest work, he said much can be learned about a politician's character by their definition of the party they claim to represent.

"It doesn't matter if they are a Republican or a Democrat," Rogers said. "But do they live by the values they claim to hold dear?"

To Rogers, who was nearly homeless a year ago before scrounging the money for his hot dog stand, there isn't much a Washington politician can do for one man serving sausages on the street for a few bucks.

"Maybe they could make it easier for some to get loans," he said. "But I built this. This is my business and I did it without asking for help or taking a handout."

All of the candidates have stressed the importance of small business.

Romney, for instance, said this election is to "save the soul of America."

The soul of America is with no doubt along Main Street.

Each GOP candidate has an idea of how to improve opportunities for Americans who slug it out in their shops and eateries each day.

Mitt Romey's plan can be read here .

Rick Santorum's plan can be read here .

Newt Gingrich's plan can be read here .

Ron Paul's plan can be read here .

While the candidates work for votes, Rogers will continue for a few dollars at a time.

After all, he says it's the American way.