Udall, Pearce on "Meet the Press" SANTA FE (KSFR) - -- It's now official: the U.S. Senate race in New Mexico will be one of the most closely watched in the nation.

NBC's "Meet the Press" has invited Democrat Tom Udall and Republican Steve Pearce to appear together in a moderated debate.

The question is when, since both sides have agreed.

But will that appearance count toward the "three" TV debates the two candidates have agreed to have "inside New Mexico?" On that, they're not yet agreeing.

Pearce says no. His campaign office says Meet the Press does not meet the terms of the agreement and should not be counted toward the original three.

A statement from Udall's campaign says they're happy to consider the national show to be included among the three.

More to come ...

© Copyright 2009, KSFR