Marathon Pundit: Huntsman accepts Lincoln-Douglas debate in NH with Gingrich; turns down The Donald

Lincoln Square, Chicago, portraying
an 1850s era Lincoln

Last month Newt Gingrich participated in a Lincoln-Douglas style debate with Herman Cain. Now comes word that the former House Speaker will take on Jon Huntsman in the same manner.

From a Huntsman press release:

Manchester- Jon Huntsman for President today announced that Governor Huntsman will be participating in a Lincoln-Douglas style debate with Newt Gingrich in New Hampshire this month. Details pending negotiations with the Gingrich campaign.

In addition, our campaign is declining the invitation to participate in the Donald Trump Apprentice Debate on December 27th.

Campaign spokesman Tim Miller issued the following statement:

We look forward to discussing the issues that matter to the American people in a serious, substantive debate with Speaker Gingrich later this month. It is telling that Governor Romney has declined to participate because this substantive format makes it hard for him to hide from his record.

In addition, we have declined to participate in the 'Presidential Apprentice' Debate with The Donald. The Republican Party deserves a serious discussion of the issues so voters can choose a leader they trust to defeat President Obama and turn our economy around. We are confident that leader will be Jon Huntsman.