Carney, Hackett to debate only once

U.S. Rep. Chris Carney (D-Dimock) and Republican challenger Chris Hackett will debate only once before the election, according to The Times-Leader.

The paper reported Carney's campaign, after reviewing its options, determined one debate, simulcast on local TV and across the state on the Pennsylvania Cable Network, would "suffice."

The decision drew a critical response from Hackett's campaign, which had asked for five debates.

"Chris Carney obviously thinks he's a Washington big shot now," Hackett Campaign Manager Mark Harris told the paper. "First he abandoned his promise to represent Pennsylvania valued by voting with Nancy Pelosi and the liberals 90 percent of the time. Now he refuses to even show enough respect for voters to defend his record in open and honest debates. Carney is a sorry excuse for a congressman, trying to win an election behind negative attacks instead of debates."

The 10th Congressional District race is considered one of the most competitive in the country and a prime opportunity for a rare Republican takeover this fall.

Carney this week left the campaign trail for two weeks while fulfilling his duties in the Naval Reserve.