Still no agreement on the number of debates between the two major party Congressional candidates

Republican Congressman Rod Blum of Dubuque tells decorahnews.com that when his campaign proposed to Democratic Congressional candidate Monica Vernon that they hold ten debates throughout the First District, including one in Decorah, they assumed that Vernon's campaign would "jump at the chance."

After all, challengers are usually the ones trying to get incumbents to commit to a large number of debates.  But in this case, Vernon's campaign said it was interested in holding only two debates--one in Dubuque and one in Cedar Rapids.

Blum, who was in Decorah for the dedication of the Winneshiek County Republican Party's campaign office, told decorahnews.com "I'm not afraid to debate the issues."  His campaign has now made a counteroffer of holding six debates.  Vernon's campaign rejected that proposal, too.  Blum says his campaign is now considering an offer of four debates, saying "I understand compromise."  Still, he admits he's not sure if there will be debates--or how many there will be.

Blum also predicts the congressional race between himself and Vernon could attract a total of $7 million in spending.  He says $3.5 million has already been spent scheduling television ads.  Blum says he's confident his campaign can raise the money needed.