Udall wants TV debates in senate race

Three-debate challenge comes day after GOP candidate accused rival of shirking Farm Bureau face-off

Heather Clark | The Associated Press

7/22/2008 -

ALBUQUERQUE — Democratic Senate candidate Tom Udall has challenged Republican opponent Steve Pearce to three televised debates to be held after Labor Day.

Tuesday's challenge comes days after a Pearce spokesman charged Udall "put his foot down" to a debate proposed by the New Mexico Farm Bureau on July 26.

In a letter to Pearce's campaign that was released to the media, Udall's campaign manager, Amanda Cooper, wrote, "New Mexicans deserve to see the candidates side by side, engaging in a vigorous exchange of ideas with each other."

Cooper also wrote the debates should be coordinated to reach every corner of the state and consist of a variety of formats to allow the most interaction with voters.

The Pearce campaign agreed that "at least three debates" be made available to all media in New Mexico "in a format that provides the widest discussion of ideas," campaign manager John Billingsley wrote to Cooper.

The two U.S. representatives have voting records that speak to who they are and what they believe, Billingsley wrote. "We look forward to the opportunity to reveal Congressman Udall's record to the people while proudly reminding voters of Congressman Pearce's commonsense, pro-family, pro-business record," the letter said.

A Pearce spokesman did not immediately return phone calls seeking comment.

Udall spokeswoman Marissa Padilla said the campaign hopes the debates will be as inclusive as possible. "Our goal is to make sure that the citizens in New Mexico who will be voting will have a chance to ask their questions," she said Tuesday.

Cooper suggested the two campaigns meet in the coming days to work out the details and finalize a schedule.

Asked about the Pearce campaign's charge that Udall refused to debate at the Farm Bureau event, Padilla said the campaign had a scheduling conflict that was discussed with Farm Bureau representatives.

The two representatives will appear separately for 30 minutes each at the Inn of the Mountain Gods in Mescalero, and attendees will be able to ask questions.

The Pearce campaign has been eager to debate Udall. In a June news release, the campaign called for a debate with Udall on the nation's future energy policies.

ON THE WEB

Pearce campaign: www.peopleforpearce.com

Udall campaign: www.tomudall.com