Vilsack wants to debate Obama in Iowa

DES MOINES, Iowa -- Former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack challenged Illinois Sen. Barack Obama to a debate before union activists in Iowa later this month to talk about "central issues confronting America."

But Obama's not biting.

Vilsack is scheduled to participate in a Feb. 21 debate sponsored by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees in Carson City, Nev. Obama opted to skip that debate, saying he's committed to campaigning in Iowa that day.

In a letter, Vilsack said he was willing to fly out immediately after the Nevada debate to attend a similar forum in Iowa.

''As you know, AFSCME represents workers throughout Iowa and they would be willing to organize a forum for us in any town on Feb. 21,'' Vilsack said in a letter to Obama's campaign.

Tommy Vietor, an Obama spokesman, said the senator would not participate in a Feb. 21 debate with Vilsack or any of the other Democratic candidates.

''Sen. Obama looks forward to participating in a number of debates during this campaign, but first he wants to personally meet with and hear from as many Iowans as possible about how we can change our politics,'' Vietor said.

Obama has gotten heavy attention as he entered the contest for the Democratic presidential nomination, with more than 15,000 people showing up for his formal announcement in Springfield., Ill., on Saturday.

Vilsack left office last month and has struggled to get similar attention in his bid for the Democratic nomination.

AP