LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) --

The group had invited McConnell and Democratic challenger Bruce Lunsford to take part in a televised debate planned for Oct. 7. Lunsford had accepted the offer.

Kentucky League of Women Voters President Teena Halbig says the debate would have been an effective way for voters to learn about the candidates and their views.

The debate was to coincide with the annual meeting of the Kentucky Broadcasters Association.

The two Senate rivals met in a recent debate in northern Kentucky. They also squared off at the Fancy Farm Picnic in far western Kentucky and at a forum hosted by the Kentucky Farm Bureau.

McConnell and Lunsford plan to attend a debate Oct. 23 in western Kentucky.