Jon Huntsman Demands Debate With Mitt Romney

Having debated former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich on Monday, former Gov. Jon Huntsman of Utah now turns his sights on former Gov. Mitt Romney of Massachusetts.

Conyers Davis, Huntsmans deputy campaign manager, sent an email to Matt Rhoades, Romneys campaign manager, calling for a Lincoln-Douglas debate between the two men.

Im sure we both agree that New Hampshire voters deserve to hear a substantive discussion from the candidates on why they are best prepared to lead the nation, Davis wrote. It is for that reason that we are extending a formal invitation to Governor Romney to join Governor Huntsman in a Lincoln-Douglas-style debate at St. Anselm College before New Hampshires primary.

Governor Huntsman and Speaker Gingrich participated in such a debate, which allows candidates to move beyond sound bites, added Davis. While we understand your campaign has thus far declined to participate in one-on-one debates, we urge you to accept Governor Huntsmans challenge and join us in offering voters the serious, substantive discussion they deserve.

Davis added that a debate could be held any time from Dec. 17-20 and Dec. 27-Jan. 9. Unlike Romney, Huntsman has ignored Iowa, which holds it caucus on Jan. 3.