Luke Ramseth and Geoff Pender

Mississippi Clarion Ledger

After refusing during the general election to debate her opponents, Republican Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith has accepted an invitation from the Mississippi Farm Bureau to debate Democrat Mike Espy before their runoff.

The debate is scheduled for Nov. 20.

The Espy campaign on Wednesday had called for Hyde-Smith to do at least three debates before the Nov. 27 runoff. But a spokesman on Thursday said Espy has not yet agreed to the Nov. 20 debate and needs more details about it first.

"I am in no way saying we won't participate, but we've just got to do our due diligence," Espy spokesman Danny Blanton said.

"We will decide once we see the terms and conditions and know all the details and format of the debate," he added. "We are also in communication with others interested in holding or sponsoring debates. We would like to do three debates, but we are going to do our due diligence and see which ones are the best."

Considering Hyde-Smith's need to be in Washington for several days next week, and the Thanksgiving holiday later in the month, "the proposed date of Nov. 20 is ideal for voters to have an opportunity to learn the clear differences" between the candidates, Hyde-Smith campaign spokeswoman Melissa Scallan said Thursday.

“Cindy looks forward to a robust debate about the major issues facing our state and country, and to outline the clear choice voters have in this important runoff election,” she said.

A letter from the Farm Bureau to the two candidates Wednesday said the group expected the debate would be televised live and carried on stations throughout the state. "While moderators and hosts are still being finalized, we trust this will be a fair and honest process for both candidates," the letter said.

Hyde-Smith had thus far refused to debate, saying before the Tuesday general election she couldn't participate because of her busy schedule in Washington. She later was captured on video at a private campaign event saying she was concerned about debating Republican Chris McDaniel specifically, because it would give him free TV time.

More:Will there be a debate before the Mississippi US Senate runoff? Espy wants one.