Tommy Thompson, Tammy Baldwin Confirm 3 U.S. Senate Debates

Tommy Thompson and Tammy Baldwin have agreed to three televised debates prior to the Nov. 6 general election for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Herb Kohl.

Two debates will be in Milwaukee and one in Wausau:

• Sept. 28 in Milwaukee — Hosted by the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association;
• Oct. 18 in Wausau — Hosted by Wisconsin Public Television, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and Today's TMJ4;
• Oct. 26 in Milwaukee — Hosted by WISN's "UpFront with Mike Gousha" and Marquette University Law School.

"We need a new direction for our country, a direction that leaves our country in better shape for our children and grandchildren," said Thompson, the former governor and GOP nominee, in a press release Monday. "Voters deserve to hear my opponent defend the record $16 trillion in debt driven by out-of-control government spending."

Baldwin, a U.S. Representative, aims to keep the seat for the Democrats as the GOP tries to gain control of the Senate with an eye on repealing the Affordable Health Care Act. She agreed to three debates last month; Thompson confirmed Monday he would participate.

“We know how much Republicans like talking to an empty chair, but not us,” said John Kraus, communications director for the Baldwin campaign. “We are excited that Thompson has decided to follow Tammy’s lead and accept our debate challenge.”