Chambliss-Martin debate looks less likely

Political bigshots? You betcha. A debate about the issues? Maybe not.

Political A-listers will continue to flock to Georgia over the next few days for incumbent Republican U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss and Democratic challenger Jim Martin. But it was beginning to appear Tuesday that the two might not meet in a debate for their Dec. 2 runoff.

Former President Bill Clinton comes to Atlanta Wednesday for Martin and former vice president Al Gore will be in town on Sunday. Former Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney comes to town for Chambliss on Friday. And Wednesday, National Rifle Association executive vice president Wayne LaPierre shows up for Chambliss in Macon and Atlanta.

PBS’s Judy Woodruff has agreed to come to town Sunday for a proposed Chambliss-Martin debate. But both candidates were balking at the idea on Tuesday.

Martin’s camp said he would be campaigning with Gore that day.

“That scheduling conflict will likely prevent Jim from participating in the debate,” spokesman Matt Canter said.

Chambliss spokeswoman Michelle Grasso said “scheduling conflicts” would prevent the first-term senator from participating in a Sunday debate.

Lauri Strauss, executive director of the Atlanta Press Club, which is sponsoring the Senate runoff debate and two others, said the organization isn’t giving up on Martin and Chambliss. But Strauss said this Sunday is the only day the event can be taped at GPTV studios on 14th Street.

Chambliss and Martin met in six debates during their general election battle.

— Staff Writer Jim Galloway contributed to this report.

Who’s visited so far:

U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) (for Chambliss); Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee (for Chambliss).

Who’s scheduled:

Wednesday: Former President Bill Clinton (for Martin); National Rifle Association executive vice president Wayne LaPierre (for Chambliss).

Friday: Former Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney (for Chambliss).

Sunday: Former Vice President Al Gore (for Martin).

Invited but unconfirmed:

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (for Chambliss); President-elect Barack Obama (for Martin).