2014 LA Senate debate: on Principles & Values

Bill Cassidy: Agrees to one runoff debate; more if Obama visits

Landrieu initially wanted six debates, which apparently will only happen if Obama makes five trips to the state. It's unlikely the unpopular president will make any trips to Louisiana.

"The issue here is who represents Louisiana and who represents President Obama. I know I am with Louisiana. Sen. Landrieu would know that if she actually met with people instead of staged media events. We will have a debate and we will discuss exactly that," Cassidy said.

Landrieu wanted six debates so the voters could "hear the candidates discuss the issues." Cassidy's minimal debate appearances has been a persistent talking point for Landrieu, who has criticized Cassidy saying he's running his race through attack ads on TV.

Bill Cassidy: No-show at Senate debate

According to published reports, Cassidy had agreed to only two debates--a Shreveport debate held a few weeks ago, and a debate in Baton Rouge Wednesday. Cassidy said he wanted to spend more time meeting voters, but political insiders speculate that he is playing safe by avoiding possible gaffes in debates.

Cassidy's absence also meant that it fell entirely to Landrieu's Tea Party challenger, Rob Maness, to engage in what has been the anti-Landrieu line of attack throughout the race: that she is a Washington insider who is too close to President Barack Obama.

Bill Cassidy: AdWatch: Receives ad money from billionaire Koch brothers

"Out of state billionaires, spending millions to rig the system and elect bill Cassidy. Their goal? Another politician bought and paid for," a narrator says in the ad, as shots of the Kochs flash on the screen.

The ad charges that the Kochs want tax breaks for companies that ship jobs overseas, want to cut Social Security and "end Medicare as we know it," and "even tried to kill relief for hurricane victims."

"Cassidy's billion-dollar backers. They've got a plan for him--it's not good for Louisiana," the ad closes.

The billionaire Koch brothers have sunk at least $30 million into competitive House and Senate races since August of last year.

Rob Maness: Support Tea Party challenger for Senate Majority Leader

But Maness added that he doesn't think McConnell will even be around for another term. Like Landrieu, the Senate Minority Leader is up for re-election this year and is facing a full-frontal assault from the tea party in the GOP primary. Maness said he favors conservative businessman Matt Bevin in the Kentucky contest.