U.S. Rep. Carol Shea-Porter (D-Rochester) wants to reschedule her first debate with former U.S. Rep. Jeb Bradley (R-Wolfeboro), so she can work on the financial bailout bill.

Congress is expected to vote a bailout bill Monday. However, the Bradley campaign says that Bradley will be at the event even if Shea-Porter does not attend.

The two are scheduled to debate tomorrow in Manchester at an AARP forum.

"Due to the fact that Congress is still working to solve the financial crisis, the Congresswoman has called Jeb and asked him to agree to reschedule the AARP debate," said Pia Carusone, Shea-Porter's campaign manager. "She looks forward to discussing the issues that AARP and America care so deeply about but Congress is still in session and she will not leave until it is over. We believe that any other format would diminish the quality of the event for AARP's members."

Alicia Preston, Bradley's press secretary, said that Bradley is planning to attend the event.

"This is an AARP event and we were invited and we accepted and if the event continues we will be there," said Preston. "There are plenty of opportunities for Jeb and Carol Shea-Porter to meet whether its AARP events or other ones and we look forward to that opportunity."

At the time of this posting AARP officials did not return phone calls requesting comment.

UPDATE: AARP has postponed the debate scheduled for tomorrow between Jeb Bradley and Carol Shea-Porter.

"We're disappointed, but certainly recognize the importance of dealing with the financial crisis facing our nation," said AARP NH State Director Kelly Clark.  "We are looking forward to being able to reschedule the debate so that voters can become better informed about the candidates' positions on the vital issues that unite all of us in order to make informed decisions."

A later date will be announced later this week.