Iowa Congressman Rod Blum wants to debate Democratic challenger Monica Vernon in Decorah

Normally it's the political newcomer who issues a challenge to the incumbent to face off in a debate.

But Republican Congressman Rod Blum is reversing the normal practice.  Blum's campaign has sent a letter to Democratic Congressional candidate Monica Vernon proposing that the two candidates hold a debate in Decorah and nine other debates in the First Congressional District.

Blum is proposing two debates in Cedar Rapids, two debates in Waterloo/Cedar Falls, one each in Decorah, Dubuque, Marshalltown and Grinnell and two more in rural communities to be agreed upon by the two campaigns.