HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) _ Former wrestling executive Linda McMahon, the endorsed Republican candidate for Connecticut’s open U.S. Senate seat, is at odds with her primary opponent, former U.S. Rep. Christopher Shays, over the number of debates they should participate in.

McMahon’s campaign spokeswoman, Erin Issac, said the candidate has agreed to only participate in debates with Shays scheduled for Thursday at the University of Connecticut, sponsored by the Hartford Courant, and on July 18, to be broadcast on NBC Connecticut.

But Shays’ campaign said their candidate also wants to participate in several other planned primary debates.

Amanda Bergen, Shays’ spokeswoman, accused McMahon of “hiding behind her TV commercials” and “not being held accountable.”

Issac said the McMahon campaign is focused on their “real opponent _ Congressman Chris Murphy,” the Democrats’ endorsed candidate for Senate.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)