Rand Paul to be in first 2016 campaign smackdown

WASHINGTON - Three potential 2016 Republican presidential candidates - including Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul - will share the stage this weekend in the first, but unofficial, smackdown of the political season.

Now, you will have to stay up late for this. The much-anticipated confrontation is scheduled for 11:30 p.m. EST Sunday. It will be livestreamed on ABCNews.com and moderated by ABC's White House correspondent, Jonathan Karl.

Paul, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz and Florida Sen. Marco Rubio will participate in a forum sponsored by the Freedom Partners Chamber of Commerce in Palm Springs, Calif.

Separately, the three senators, as well as another possible contender, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, will address the meeting.

None of the Republicans has announced his candidacy for president. Paul has said he will make a decision on running "some time this spring."

Freedom Partners is a non-profit advocacy organization connected to conservative mega-donor brothers Charles and David Koch. In 2012, the Koch brothers and their political group Americans for Prosperity spent nearly $240 million. The Koch network also spent heavily in last fall's midterm election.

Subjects slated to be covered during the hour-long "American Recovery Policy Forum" are economic issues, health care and energy policy.

"Our members care deeply about the future of our nation and we're honored to host some of today's most influential and respected leaders in shaping public policy," Freedom Partners spokesman James Davis told ABC News. "We hope that this panel will give each participant the opportunity to lay out their vision for a more free and prosperous society."

Two big names that have emerged as potential candidates in recent days - 2012 GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney and former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush - are not going to be on stage. Bush was invited but had a scheduling conflict.