U.S. Sen. Gordon Smith (R-Pendleton) accepted a debate challenge that he says former Gov. Barbara Roberts issued on behalf of U.S. Sen. candidate Jeff Merkley (D-Portland) Monday. He sent a letter to Merkley on Tuesday, saying he looked forward to organizing a debate based solely on public safety.

“I agree with Gov. Roberts and think we should have a debate on crime and public safety immediately. The Senate is out of session this weekend, and I believe we should hold a debate this weekend on public safety and crime,” Smith wrote.

Merkley responded to Smith’s letter by saying he had already been hard at work to organize other debates that Smith did not respond to, but since public safety was such an important issue, certainly they should take advantage of as many invitations as possible to address the issue.

“Since you have refused all debates but two, I am surprised that your schedule is now flexible and you are suddenly willing to debate more than twice before Oregon voters,” Merkley wrote. “I have accepted debate invitations from KATU in Portland on October 5th, KEZI in Eugene the week of October 13th, and the City Club of Portland on October 17th and I challenge you to do the same, so that we can address the important issues that affect public safety. I am sure you will agree that one more debate is not enough. If you truly wish to publicly discuss important issues as you said in your letter, you will agree to all three of these debates in addition to the two debates currently scheduled.”

On Monday, during a press conference held to defend Merkley’s public safety record in the wake of an ad that Smith released Friday accusing Merkley of not voting to extend the statute of limitations, Roberts defended Merkley’s record, saying it was so strong he would be able to debate Smith on it.

“If Gordon Smith wants to be re-elected, maybe he should tell us about what he’s done,” Roberts said at the time. “I know this campaign is ready for more debates; right now there are only two debates. How about just one debate on public safety? That would go a long way.”