St. Paul, Jan 21 - U.S. Senate Candidate Mark Kennedy released the following debate challenge to the DFL candidates for the U.S. Senate:

"Our U.S Senate seat is crucial for Minnesota. The voters of our state deserve to know exactly where each candidate stands on the key issues facing our nation and our state.

"Unfortunately, too often these important issue discussions fall victim to poll-tested sound bites and canned applause lines. I think it's time for the kind of open, honest, thoughtful, and friendly debate the people of Minnesota deserve. We don't need some cable-channel shout fest, but a real discussion of the real issues.

"I believe that in the next 2-4 weeks, we should begin these issue discussions across the state of Minnesota. Different regions of our state have different concerns and the debates should be scheduled accordingly.

"I am ready and willing to debate the Democrat candidates on the issues that will decide this Senate election as soon as possible."

To hear Kennedy's initial call for debates, be sure to watch At Issue with Tom Hauser airing at 9am on Channel 5 Sunday morning.