Dan Maes, John Hickenlooper agree to 10 scheduled debates, promise to stick to issues

Dan Maes.

Embattled Republican guv candidate Dan Maes and incredibly lucky Democratic opponent John Hickenlooper agree on a couple of things -- the number of debates they'll stage (ten) and a focus on the issues, not personal attacks. Presumably Tom Tancredo will take part in the sessions, too, but no promises. Get the skinny from the joint Maes-Hickenlooper release below:

MAES AND HICKENLOOPER COMMIT TO RUNNING ON THE ISSUES; ANNOUNCE DEBATE SCHEDULE

The Republican and Democratic nominees for governor pledged today in a joint press release to run campaigns specific to the issues, and they agreed to a fall debate schedule.

Dan Maes and John Hickenlooper agreed to 10 debates, including the Colorado Decides 2010 "Gubernatorial General Election Debate" that aired last week.

"Coloradans are sick and tired of the personal attacks that tend to typify election season," Maes said. "John and I will engage each other on the issues on these 10 occasions and at numerous other forums and smaller events to let Colorado voters decide whose vision for the state they prefer."

Hickenlooper said he appreciated the commitment to a substantive campaign from Maes.

"Dan and I have had healthy disagreements on various issues throughout the campaign so far, but I respect the way he has campaigned with class and respect," Hickenlooper said. "I'm confident our joint commitment to discuss the issues facing our state will mean the rest of the country takes note of Colorado as a place that does things the right way."

In addition to the agreed upon debates, both campaigns will participate in numerous forums on a range of issues before Election Day.

The debate schedule is based on invitations the campaigns received and joint availability of the candidates. Any decision on inviting third-party candidates is up to the individual event sponsors.

The Maes and Hickenlooper campaigns have formally agreed to the following debates:

Sept. 2: Colorado Decides 2010 "Gubernatorial General Election Debate;" Denver

Sept. 11: Club 20; Grand Junction

Sept. 17: Progressive 15; Loveland

Sept. 25: Action 22; Colorado Springs

Oct. 5: Channel 7; Denver

Oct. 12 Pueblo Chieftain; Pueblo

Oct. 13: The Denver Post/ 9news; Denver

Oct. 14 Colorado Association of Commerce and Industry; Denver

Oct. 22 Fox 31; Denver

Oct. 29 CBS 4; Denver