Sen. Larry Craig refused Thursday to debate his election opponent in North Idaho, saying a televised debate scheduled in Boise on Sept. 29 is all he will do.

Asked about the issue during taping of KTVB’s “Viewpoint” program, Craig said his schedule is tight because he needs to be in Washington, D.C., in September. But he didn’t rule out setting up additional debates later.

Then, that afternoon, Craig’s campaign said the longtime lawmaker won’t debate beyond the one forum.

“We’ve got a really intense schedule already put together,” said Mike Reynoldson, Craig’s campaign manager. Reynoldson said Craig’s appearances at events like the North Idaho Fair last weekend are more important than facing off with his opponent, former wood products executive Walt Minnick.

Craig always has debated his opponents in past election campaigns. Craig is seeking his second term in the Senate, and served five terms in the U.S. House of Representatives before that. He first was elected in 1980.

Minnick is making his first run for public office.

Said Craig, “I have to balance time to campaign and time to complete my job as a current, serving United States senator.”

The Sept. 29 debate, sponsored by the League of Women Voters and the Idaho Press Club, will air live at 7 p.m. Pacific time on Idaho Public Television, which is broadcast throughout the state.

Minnick had earlier challenged Craig to a series of 10 debates. Craig also had received numerous requests to appear at public debates around the state, including one in Coeur d’Alene sponsored by The Idaho Spokesman-Review and one the week before the election sponsored by KTVB in Boise.

“He’s clearly hiding,” said Bill Broadhead, spokesman for Minnick’s campaign. “Larry Craig says he wants the job, but he doesn’t feel like he should have to go through the interview process.”

Said Reynoldson, “That’s just the decision that we’ve made.”

, DataTimes