U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell will debate her Republican challenger, state Sen. Michael Baumgartner, at an televised event on Oct. 12th — the first U.S. Senate debate of the election season.

The debate is co-sponsored by KCTS and the League of Women Voters.

Baumgartner has been requesting a debate with the Democratic incumbent for months — even scheduling a debate with an empty chair. In a press release, Baumgartner said the debate “is a good first step,” but “I believe we should also schedule debates in eastern Washington and in southwest Washington as well.”

Cantwell’s campaign released a press release that said she “continues to review a number of outstanding invitations to community forums, additional joint appearances, and campaign speaking engagements throughout Washington state.”