UPDATE: Gingrich, Huntsman to Hold Lincoln-Douglas Debate in Windham

UPDATE (4:25 p.m.): According to Southern N.H. 9.12 Project co-organizer Ken Eyring, Newt Gingrich is about "98 percent in" at this point for a debate with Jon Huntsman in Windham.

The group wants to hash out the details and get a confirmation from Gingrich before announcing anything further. According to Rep. David Bates, R-Windham, who is also associated with the group, those details will include a potential location.

Bates said that the organization has been reaching out to all of the campaigns trying to set something up. They recently turned down Hermain Cain for a Veterans Day appearance. According to Bates it wasn't the right time.

"In retrospect, I'm kind of glad we did," said Bates.

He said that since there are no "clear firm long-term planning schedules" amongst the candidates it's been difficult to lock someone down.

"I spoke with (Jon) Huntsman during the House session on Wednesday and he didn't even have a definitive answer then," said Bates. 

UPDATE (4:02 p.m.): The Jon Huntsman campaign has issued a press release regarding the Dec. 12 debate in Windham.

The release did not reveal any details on the location of the event, but did include a statement from campaign spokesman Tim Miller:

"We look forward to discussing the issues that matter to the American people in a serious, substantive debate with Speaker Gingrich later this month.  It is telling that Governor Romney has declined to participate because this substantive format makes it hard for him to hide from his record.

In addition, we have declined to participate in the 'Presidential Apprentice' Debate with The Donald.  The Republican Party deserves a serious discussion of the issues so voters can choose a leader they trust to defeat President Obama and turn our economy around. We are confident that leader will be Jon Huntsman."

Miller is referencing Hunstman's decline to take part in the Donald Trump Apprentice Debate on Dec. 27.

A Huntsman campaign spokesman said the organizer of the debate is the Southern N.H. 9.12 Project.

EARLIER STORY:

Mark your calendar for Dec. 12, as the Associated Press is reporting that Newt Gingrich and Jon Huntsman will be going one-on-one in Windham.

The debate is being reported as "Lincoln-Douglas" style, with the location unknown at this time.

Fellow presidential candidate and former Mass. Gov. Mitt Romney declined a similar style debate from Gingrich earlier this week.

Patch has spoken to leadership from the Republican Town Committee in Windham as well as Americans for Prosperity. They had no knowledge of the debate in town or where it will take place.

Check back for more details on this event.