Pallone Calls for Multiple Senate Debates

Rep. Frank Pallone is calling for multiple debates leading up to the August Democratic U.S. Senate primary in New Jersey.

Frank Pallone (file photo)

He released a statement Monday saying voters should be able to make a decision that is not "based solely on slick TV ads and 20-second sound bites."

Early polls show Newark Mayor Cory Booker the clear front-runner in race that also includes Rep. Rush Holt and Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver.

In a statement, a Booker campaign spokesman says the mayor will be evaluating debate invitations and did not commit to accepting Pallone's proposal.

They are all running to complete the term of Sen. Frank Lautenberg, who died earlier this month.

The special primary is scheduled for Aug. 13, with a general election Oct. 16.