SEDALIA, Missouri (WGEM) — Missouri U.S. Senator Josh Hawley and his Democratic challenger for Senate, Lucas Kunce, met Thursday at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia. But it was far from a debate.

The two candidates clashed publicly during the annual Ham Breakfast over scheduling debates ahead of the Nov. 5 election. They had originally asked Missouri State Fair officials for a debate platform, but fair officials declined.

Kunce’s campaign accuses Hawley of trying to avoid a bipartisan, televised debate by insisting that the debate take place immediately. We asked Senator Hawley if he would agree to a bipartisan, televised debate. Here’s how their conversation went:

“Sure, but he has to show up,” said Senator Hawley.

“How about Fox News,” said Kunce.

“Let’s do it now,” said Senator Hawley.

“Are you up for the Fox News debate right now? Can you say yes to Fox News,” Kunce said.

“Are you going to debate today?” asked Senator Hawley.

“Can you say yes to the Fox News debate today?” Kunce said.

“We’re going to do a lot,” Senator Hawley said.

“Can you say yes to Fox News,” Kunce said.

“Show up for debate today. We will do much more,” said Senator Hawley.

Once again, the State Fair issued a memo banning political debates on the fairgrounds. Organizers said the fair should focus on Missouri agriculture and students. So far, Lucas Kunce has accepted invitations to at least five bipartisan, televised debates, including one that aired on KY3.

Senator Hawley has not yet officially accepted any.

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