LANSING, MI - Lt. Gov. Brian Calley is challenging his Republican primary opponents in the governor's race to travel the state with him over the next month and a half, participating in six town-hall style debates.

"The next state election will determine whether Michigan continues its comeback or goes in a different direction, so Michigan Republican primary voters deserve the opportunity to ask all the GOP candidates for governor questions about their visions for the future of our state," Calley said in a press release.

"That's why I'm calling on all the candidates seeking the GOP nomination to commit with me to participating in a series of candidate town hall events throughout Michigan over a period of six weeks."

Attorney General Bill Schuette, a big hitter in the Republican gubernatorial field, does not plan to participate, according to spokeswoman Katie Hills.

"Bill believes they should be at work trying to cut taxes. We are looking forward to things like town halls at a later time," Hills said.

But other gubernatorial candidates are primed for the challenge.

Sen. Patrick Colbeck, on WJR's Frank Beckmann show Monday, said he, Jim Hines and Calley had agreed to the series of town halls.

"We've all agreed on a suite of town halls that we're going to have, sharing our respective visions for where we want to take Michigan," Colbeck said.

Hines is open to participating in the debates, a member of his campaign staff confirmed.

Four other Republicans -- Joseph Derose, Earl Lackie, Evan Space and Mark McFarlin -- have filed initial paperwork indicating they plan to run for governor as well.

Whoever wins the Republican primary goes up against the Democratic pick in the Nov. 2018 election. Democrats who have filed paperwork indicating a run include Gretchen Whitmer, Abdul El-Sayed, Shri Thanedar, Bill Cobbs and Justin Giroux.

The six town-hall debates, according to Calley's press release, would take place throughout Michigan. They would last through the end of February.

Note: This story has been updated with comment from Schuette's campaign.