O'Donnell cancels "Face the Nation" appearance

Delaware GOP Senate candidate Christine O'Donnell has backed out of an appearance Sunday on CBS's "Face the Nation" with no explanation to the network.

"They just emailed us and said she needed to cancel," said Mary Hager, "Face the Nation's," senior producer.

O'Donnell's abrupt cancellation comes after scores of stories have emerged about extreme comments she has made in the past about issues ranging from condom usage to human brains being inserted into mice.

The Republican has appeared on TV since her victory in Tuesday's primary, but she now may be heeding the advice bestowed earlier this week by Sarah Palin: "Speak through Fox."

O'Donnell's cancellation marks the second time a Tea Party-backed candidate has backed out of a Sunday show after a slew of bad press. Rand Paul bailed on NBC's "Meet the Press" after winning his primary in May.

UPDATE: A CBS official said O'Donnell's staff told producers that the candidate had to return to Delaware to campaign, but would be glad to do the show another time. And the Times reports that she also canceled her appearance on Fox News Sunday.

(Jonathan Martin)