Debbie Stabenow in 2012 Michigan Senate Debates

On Principles & Values: End the ongoing debate over debates: No Senate debates

Stabenow had accepted debate invitations at the Detroit Economic Club and Grand Valley State University, which have held U.S. Senate debates in recent Michigan election cycles. Hoekstra said he wanted debates with more exposure. Neither campaign had accepted the same debate offer, leaving the two campaigns without agreement as the Nov. 6 election approaches. Each campaign has blamed the other for the impasse.

Earlier this week, the Stabenow campaign had said Hoekstra was playing games with the debate issue and that his "antics certainly don't reflect that of someone who actually wants to hold debates."