Must see TV? Not so fast on Shays vs. McMahon NBC debate

Sarah Palin is so 2008.

But what about a Tiny Fey impersonation of Linda McMahon?

Heck, the  comedienne might need to sit in for McMahon altogether at the rate things are going with the scheduling of a supposed April 12 debate between the GOP candidates for U.S. Senate on NBC Connecticut HD.

Former Congressman Christopher Shays, R-Conn., came out on Friday announcing that he had accepted invitations to participate in four debates total, naming the media outlets and dates.

Nevermind that that there’s one slight wrinkle.

A station employee at the Hartford NBC affiliate told Hearst Connecticut Newspapers today that nothing is set in stone — she asked not to be quoted by name because she is not authorized to speak for the network.

McMahon and Shays have mutually agreed on only two debates so far, however.

  • April 19th, Host: The Norwich Bulletin
  • June 14th, Host: The Hartford Courant

Shays  also accepted an invitation to appear in a League of Women Voters debate in July.

Amanda Bergen, a spokeswoman for Shays, said the campaign had received firm invitations to the four events.

“This isn’t something that we just picked out of the air and threw out there,” Bergen said.

McMahon’s campaign initially proposed a series of three debates, but Shays is clamoring for further opportunities to joust with his GOP rival.

“Christopher is looking forward to debate with her at 10 debates, two in each congressional district, five before the convention and five before primary,” Bergen said.

McMahon has accepted three debate invitations, including an April 22 one on Face the State with Dennis House., according to her campaign spokeswoman Erin Isaac.

“In addition, we look forward to doing several forums typically held around the state,” Isaac said.

UPDATE:

The Shays campaign just announced that it too has accepted an invite to appear on Face the State, but does not have a date.

Neil Vigdor