According to Time-Warner Cable, Hagan has declined to participate. Hagan's Republican challenger, House Speaker Thom Tillis, will participate.

 

Hagan has agreed to be part of three debates, the first of which was held last week and sponsored by the North Carolina Association of Broadcasters Educational Foundation. A second debate held by the group will take place in early October.

 

NC State University political science professor Andy Taylor told Time -Warner News it is surprising that Sen. Hagan would say no to the opportunity since the race is so close.

 

Polls have consistently shown the race neck-and-neck or with Hagan leading by a point or two.

 

A third candidate in the race is Libertarian Sean Haugh.