After a false start by U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn (R-Colorado Springs) two weeks ago, two 5th Congressional District debates have been agreed on between Lamborn and Democratic opponent Hal Bidlack in late October.

The first debate will be held on KVOR-AM radio on the Richard Randall show the morning of Oct. 28, according to Lamborn spokesperson Catherine Mortensen.

The second debate will be held at Sand Creek High School on Oct. 30, said Bidlack spokesperson Christy Le Lait said. It will be sponsored by the Republican Club of Falcon.

Both campaigns have maintained that they're eager to debate, but Le Lait said Lamborn has refused to hold debates before the last week of the campaign.

"Lamborn wants to say that he's agreed to debate, but as of October 30 half the voters have already voted," Le Lait said.

Lamborn offered to meet Bidlack for coffee the morning of Oct. 6, Le Lait said. Bidlack has declined, saying that if Lamborn can make time for coffee, Le Lait said, the candidates should use that time to debate.

"It's too late for coffee," Le Lait said. "We need to be more worried about getting the issues out to the voters."

Asked why Lamborn wouldn't consider holding a debate earlier, Mortensen said Lamborn will be in Washington, D.C. through September as Congress is in session.

Asked to respond to Le Lait's comment that Lamborn could hold a debate on Oct. 6 rather than have coffee with Bidlack, Mortensen said. "The Congressman looks forward to having coffee with Mr. Bidlack so he can get to know him personally."

She declined further comment.