Associated Press Published

Capito Won't Attend Senate Debate Friday

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It’s looking unlikely that West Virginia’s two main contenders for an open U.S. Senate seat will debate again before Election Day.

Republican Shelley Moore Capito won’t attend a West Virginia Public Broadcasting debate Friday. Democrat Natalie Tennant, Libertarian John Buckley, Bob Henry Baber of the Mountain Party and Phil Hudok of the Constitution Party will participate.

Capito’s campaign said the congresswoman will be on her previously scheduled bus tour.

Capito and Tennant, West Virginia’s secretary of state, debated last Tuesday in Charleston. Third-party candidates weren’t involved.

The two met for a West Virginia Chamber of Commerce candidate forum at The Greenbrier in late August.

They are seeking retiring Democratic Sen. Jay Rockefeller’s seat.

The Friday morning debate will air in the evening.