For Immediate Release                                            

JUNE 10, 2008   

Senate candidate Mark Udall's campaign today outlined a proposal for a comprehensive, statewide debate schedule in the campaign for U.S. Senate.  Along with releasing the proposal, the Udall campaign is inviting a representative of the Schaffer campaign to meet as soon as possible to discuss details and confirm an overall schedule.

"We are eager for a robust debate schedule that allows voters in every part of the state to hear from the candidates and have their questions answered," said Udall campaign manager Mike Melanson.  "Mark has already been traveling the state extensively, holding public events, meeting Coloradans, and talking about the issues.  Now we look forward to working with the Schaffer campaign on a schedule that will allow Coloradans to hear from both candidates."

The Udall campaign proposed the following principles to shape the debate schedule planning:

• At least eight debates to be held between July and November

• Debates to be held in every part of the state

• Debates to be hosted by a diverse array of groups, including media outlets, community organizations, and issue groups

• Debates to be carried out in a variety of formats to allow for the most possible interaction between Coloradans and the candidates.  Formats should include town halls, in which regular Coloradans have a chance to ask questions directly, as well as panel and moderator debates.

"We expect that schedule will include a mix of well-established events, such as the one traditionally hosted by Club 20 on the Western Slope, and opportunities to open the debate process up beyond the conventional venues," said Melanson.  "We hope the Schaffer campaign will join us soon to plan a schedule that fulfills these guiding principles."

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