Dan Webster made it official Wednesday: His campaign for Orlando's U.S. House seat won't include a debate with incumbent Democrat Rep. Alan Grayson.

In August, the former Republican state legislator's campaign said he would only participate in debates in which he and Grayson would face each other one-on-one. But Grayson refused to debate unless invitations went to every candidate in the 8th District race, including Florida Tea Party candidate Peg Dunmire and independent George Metcalfe.

That led to a standoff. Last week, the Central Florida Urban League held a debate between Grayson, Dunmire, Metcalfe and a write-in candidate — but Webster's chair sat empty.

On Wednesday, Webster ruled out all debates — regardless of the invitation list — before the Nov. 2 election. His reason: He can't stand to share a stage with Grayson.

"I have run a positive campaign without making a single personal attack on Congressman Grayson, and I pledge to continue to do so throughout this campaign," Webster said in a written statement. "Being on a stage with him at this point would make keeping that commitment almost impossible. I do not believe that a debate with Alan Grayson will be anything more than gutter theatrics."

Grayson has drawn criticism for attack ads that call Webster a draft-dodger, label him "Taliban Dan" in an attempt to portray him as a religious extremist, and describe him as corrupt.

Grayson said Wednesday that Webster deserves to lose.

"It is an insult to the people of Central Florida that Webster is unwilling to defend his 28-year record as a career politician, or to explain to the voters what he would do if we were to elect him to represent us," he said in a statement. "If Daniel Webster isn't tough enough to show up for a debate, then he is not tough enough to represent Central Florida in Congress."

Webster's decision removes a key player from at least two debates, including one planned for Friday in downtown Orlando hosted by the Tiger Bay Club.

Mark Schlueb can be reached at mschlueb@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5417.