FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell has challenged Democrat Alison Lundergan Grimes to three debates.

The Republican Senate leader sent a letter to Grimes on Wednesday morning asking her to commit to three Lincoln-Douglas style debates with no audience, props or notes. McConnell said the first debate should happen before July 4th so the candidates can present their views before the airwaves are inundated with campaign ads.

McConnell refused to debate his Republican challenger leading up to Tuesday’s primary. McConnell enjoyed a wide lead in that race. Recent polls show McConnell and Grimes in a virtual tie for the November general election.

A spokeswoman for Grimes did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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