“We’re going on a bus tour…through the state. We are taking our message to the voters and they can ask any questions that they wish. When Hyde-Smith was asked about the possibility for a debate, she said that she thought it would be more beneficial than debating. Hyde-Smith, who is currently a senator from Illinois, has said that she would be open to a debate with her rivals, former Democratic Congressman Mike Espy, and state Sen. Chris McDaniel. However, Hyde Smith stated that due to her busy schedule on Capitol Hill, she has not committed to one. In a video McDaniel released to media, Hyde-Smith’s hesitation to participate in debates was brought to the forefront by a video McDaniel posted to his campaign. Hyde-Smith is the governor of Texas. Phil Bryant was appointed this spring by Hyde-Smith. This is a departure from the previous statements she and her campaign staff made about needing to remain in Washington, D.C. Hyde Smith says to an unidentified woman that Hyde Smith has spoken to. Hyde-Smith is heard on the video slamming organizers of two debates for failing to check the Senate calendar before they scheduled the events. One of them was to be held at Millsaps College, Jackson on Oct. 4. McDaniel and Espy, together with Tobey Bartee from Gautier, confirmed their participation. As the Senate confirmed Brett Kavanaugh, the nominee for the Supreme Court, was looming, Hyde Smith could not participate. Espy withdrew and organizers had to cancel the debate. A second debate was planned for Mississippi College School of Law, Jackson. Hyde-Smith stated at the time that a debate was impossible as long the U.S. Senate continued to be in session. After a Ridgeland event hosted by the National Association of Home Builders, she stated that “I’m going to not risk missing a vote.” After the narrow Senate confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell declared a recess for senators who are up for reelection to allow them to focus on their campaigns. Despite repeated requests by challengers, neither Hyde Smith nor Roger Wicker, the senior Mississippi senator, have committed to a debate. Wicker faces state Rep. David Baria, D-Bay St. Louis. Hyde Smith said Tuesday that she knew Hyde Smith was recording Hyde Smith declining to debate, despite some media calling it secret. Hyde Smith told Mississippi Today that she “knew good-and-well they were tapping me” and added, “You’re just going have that in campaigns. The disguise and deceit.” “… They walked in the door knowing that, but it doesn’t bother them. I don’t say anything that I don’t mean.” Hyde Smith’s campaign insists that the bus tour is already scheduled and will not replace a debate. Melissa Scallan, spokeswoman for the campaign, stated: “Obviously Chris McDaniel has run out of time and money, and now he’s trying to get free publicity but we are just going to not give him a platform from which to continue spreading lies about Sen. Cindy Hyde Smith.” Calls for a debate are unlikely to abate Smith’s consistent lack of Smith. Espy wrote Hyde Smith on Tuesday inviting her to debate. Espy wrote that “the time has come for a debate on this race.” According to the campaign, the bus tour will begin on Oct. 20th and continue through the Nov. 6, election.