Zach Wineburg

In both the 3rd and 8th Congressional Districts, challengers and incumbents have begun the process of negotiating when and how debates will occur between them. Sen. Pres. Tim Bee (R-Tucson) is in talks with his opponent, U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Tucson) about the possibilities, as are U.S. Rep. John Shadegg (R-Phoenix) and his challenger, Bob Lord. 

On July 30, 3rd district Democratic contender Bob Lord's campaign sent a letter to the campaign of U.S. Rep. John Shadegg (R-Phoenix) requesting a series of three debates during September and October, each to focus on "a related set of issues facing our nation," suh as "national security, foreign policy, and veterans issues," etc. Andrew Eldredge-Martin, Lord's campaign manager and the one who sent off the letter, stipulated that his organization wanted the debates prior to the start of early voting on Oct. 2. The Lord campaign officially announced the invitation Thursday.

Shadegg has responded with a counter-offer: "six televised debates with each covering the broad range of issues important to the voters of Congressional District 3." Shadegg campaign manager Sean Noble said in his letter to the Lord camapign, "We agree there should be some debates prior to early voting, but in fairness to all of the voters in the District, there should be others after early voting starts." Noble proposed the first debate be on KAET's Horizon program. So far the Lord campaign has not responded back.