(RALEIGH) -- Republican gubernatorial candidate Pat McCrory is rejecting a call by Democratic challenger Lt. Gov. Walter Dalton to join in eight town hall-style debates over the next four months. A McCrory spokesman said the former Charlotte mayor welcomes debates but not on the terms outlined by Dalton.

Speaking at Central Piedmont Community College on Monday, Dalton said he would like to face his Republican challenger at these town hall-style debates on community college campuses across the state. "It is an opportunity to discuss the issues, discuss our future and whether cutting education and limiting the scope of community college makes sense," said Dalton.

A statement from the McCrory campaign discounted the request. "Just like Walter Dalton failed to show up for community college board meetings, the McCrory campaign won't be showing up for Mr. Dalton's trumped up, dream schedule of debates on his terms. Instead, the McCrory campaign will continue to review the multitude of debate requests and of course plans to accept as many as possible."