MSNBC and New Hampshire newspaper to host unsanctioned Dem debate on Feb. 4

MSNBC and the New Hampshire Union-Leader newspaper announced on Tuesday that they would host an unsanctioned Democratic Party presidential debate on Feb. 4, Talking Points Memo reported.

The debate is slated to be held five days before the state's Democratic primary. Former Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) has already signaled his intention to participate, but neither Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) or former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have confirmed whether they would take part.

Tuesday's announcement comes after months of criticism against Democratic National Committee head Rep. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (D-FL) for announcing that the party's three candidates would take part in only six debates. MSNBC hosts Rachel Maddow and Chuck Todd are scheduled to host the New Hampshire event.