From Sean Cockerham in Anchorage ---

The Joe Miller campaign is accusing Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski of ducking debates, saying the three events she's committed to don't give voters a real chance to judge the candidates.

The Murkowski campaign last week announced she'd participate in three events, an Aug. 10 Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce debate, an Aug. 11 Kenai/Soldotna Chamber of Commerce debate, as well as the Aug. 18 "Running" debate that's put on by KAKM public television and shown statewide.

“The Senate will be in session until August 7th,” Murkowski said in a press release at the time. “Alaskans elected me to defend our interests in the United State Senate, and that is where I will have to spend the bulk of my time until the August recess period begins.”

The Miller campaign today responded by saying she's agreed to "soft" debates, without real interchange between the candidates, and that Miller wants both town hall and formal debates. Miller is calling for four debates, at least one in Anchorage, and one before absentee voting starts on Aug. 9.

The Miller campaign said:

Miller approached Murkowski during the Anchorage Republican Women’s luncheon at former Governor Sheffield’s house on July 8th and challenged her for the second time to multiple debates. Murkowski mentioned a busy schedule, but that weekends would be best. The next day, the Murkowski campaign issued a press release with three "scheduled" debates, without any coordination with the Miller campaign. According to the Miller campaign, these debates are “soft” forums, with no real interchange between the candidates, and they do not present the time, nor allow for broad public exposure. Further, the Murkowski Campaign did not schedule any debates in Anchorage. Miller believes that Anchorage voters deserve to hear from the candidates and seeks two debates there.

You can read full message from the Miller campaign by clicking here.