CHICAGO (AP) — Gov. Pat Quinn has called on Republican challenger Bruce Rauner to “come out of the gopher hole” and commit to debates ahead of the general election.

Quinn’s campaign says the Chicago Democrat has confirmed his appearance at eight debates and forums ahead of the Nov. 4 election along with a ninth potential venue. Rauner’s campaign says the businessman plans to appear at a number of debates and will announce those dates “soon.”

Quinn told reporters Monday that debates are voters’ best chance to see candidates side by side on the issues.

Rauner participated in fewer debates than his GOP opponents ahead of the four-way March primary, something that prompted criticism from those challenging him.

The governor trails Rauner by 1 to 9 percentage points in recent surveys. One poll had respondents considering Rauner a reformer at twice the rate they considered Quinn a reformer, even though Quinn fashioned a reputation for reform before he became governor.

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