@PatriciaMazzei
Marco Rubio and Patrick Murphy have agreed to a single debate -- for now -- in Florida's U.S. Senate race. It will take place Oct. 26 at Broward College in Davie.
The debate between Rubio, the incumbent Republican, and Murphy, the Democratic challenger, will be sponsored by Leadership Florida and the Florida Press Association. The hour-long debate will be produced by WPBF 25, a Hearst-owned ABC affiliate in West Palm Beach, and be broadcast live from 7-8 p.m. through a network of stations in all of Florida's media markets. It will be moderated by WPBF news anchor Todd McDermott and a media panel still in the works.
"The outcome of Florida's Senate race literally could affect the future direction of the country, and 13 days before Election Day we know the eyes of the state and the nation will be on this debate," Leadership Florida President Wendy Walker said in a statement. "We are pleased that both major parties' nominees have committed so quickly to participate."
"The free exchange of ideas is at the heart of our system of democracy because it creates and informed electorate," said Dean Ridings, president and chief executive of the Florida Press Association. "This debate will provide an outstanding opportunity for Florida voters to see the candidates and understand their positions and their differences."
Rubio has challenged Murphy to five more debates, but Murphy has refused to accept, saying he wants Rubio to commit to serving a full, six-year Senate term instead. Rubio has already accepted other debate invitations, including one from the Tampa Bay Times.
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