MONTPELIER, Vt. -
Nine weeks until Election Day and the two men vying for Vermont's top job differ on many issues.
Not just policies, but Governor Peter Shumlin and State Senator Randy Brock can't agree on how many times they should square off.
"How many debates would you like to take part in," said Fox44?
"Oh least a dozen," said Brock.
"I want to have at least 5 or 6 debates," said Shumlin.
For Governor Shumlin that's less than half the number of debates against Brain Dubie in 2010.
The democrat says it's different this time around because he is the incumbent.
"I have to find the balance between wanting to have lots of debates, as inclusive as possible and also doing my job as governor," said Shumlin.
Shumlin wants televised debates to reach all Vermonters.
But State Senator Brock says staying in Chittenden County isn't right.
"Vermonters like to see their candidates close up and personal. They like to be able to question them directly and you can't do that on TV and radio," said Brock.
It's not just how many or where that's causing issues, Brock wants to debate in front of AARP members.
Governor Shumlin says it doesn't make sense to focus on a small group.
But Brock says Shumlin is scared to face the 14,000 AARP members who petitioned for money, not efficiency programs, in the recent GMP/CVPS power company merger.
"I think he fears to go into a hostile environment," said Brock.
"I think that I won't dignify that comment with a response. I'm not afraid to go anywhere," said Shumlin.
The first of six debates will take place a week from Wednesday on Vermont Public Radio.
Governor Shumlin also plans to make his candidacy official next week before the debates begin.
