An official from Kentucky Educational Television has said that federal regulations require the network to air a recorded statement from U.S. Rep. Ed Whitfield (R-Hopkinsville) tonight in conjunction with the network's 1st Congressional District debate at which Whitfield will not appear.

As the network noted, Whitfield's opponent - Heather Ryan (D-Paducah) - did confirm for the event.

"As it has in each Kentucky Congressional race this year, and in past years, KET invited both candidates in the First Congressional District to appear in a live forum. The Ryan campaign accepted KET's invitation, and the Whitfield campaign declined," said Shae Hopkins, KET's deputy executive director in a statement.

"The Whitfield campaign requested to broadcast a recorded statement. Under the 'equal opportunities' requirements of Section 315 of the Communications Act and the FCC's rules, KET is obliged to provide equal time by broadcasting the recorded statement," continued Hopkins.

PolitickerKY.com reported last week that Whitfield would not be attending tonight's debate. Whitfield's camp said the incumbent had prior commitments at Columbus Day events back in the 1st District - away from the Lexington-based broadcast of the debate.

Ryan objected this morning to the news that the Whitfield campaign asked to air a statement from the absent Representative tonight.

"We knew Ed Whitfield was too cowardice to appear on the Kentucky Education Television debates that have been scheduled for months, but his insistence that KET air a pre-recorded commercial after I appear on the forum is beyond reproach [sic]," said Ryan in an e-mail to supporters.

Ryan argued "fair use" requirements were already "accomodated"by the extension of the invitation by KET, and requested supporters contact KET to object.

The forum - featuring just Ryan - will air tonight at 8pm ET on KET.

This is just the latest debate headache for KET, which has seen a large portion of incumbents turn down debate invitations. Those previously declining include U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Louisville), U.S. Reps. Hal Rogers (R-Somerset), Ben Chandler (D-Versailles), and Geoff Davis (R-Ft. Mitchell).

KET notes it historically airs forums even when invitations are declined by one participant.