MONTGOMERY &045;&045; Gov. Don Siegelman and U.S. Rep. Bob Riley spent their weekend preparing for Monday’s first gubernatorial debate in very different ways.

Riley spent Saturday with fellow Republicans in Talladega, while Siegelman spent the time preparing for the debate.

Bryars said Riley has been preparing for the debate but does not &uot;over prepare.&uot;

According to Siegelman staff members, the governor has been holding mock debates over the past few days as well as studying up on a wide range of issues.

Andrews took a shot at Riley’s lack of issue discussion in the campaign so far saying, &uot;It is difficult to prepare for a debate against a candidate who has no ideas.&uot;

This is the first debate between the two gubernatorial candidates, and will be one of only two debates between the two before the Nov. 5 general election.

The debate, hosted by the Alabama Debates Partnership, will be broadcast live on Alabama Public Television beginning at 8 p.m. The second debate &045;&045; scheduled for Oct. 20 &045;&045; will be different in that other candidates and races will also be featured on the telecast.

APT announced late last week that the two candidates vying for the U.S. Senate seat will take part in a one-hour discussion. Both Democrat Susan Parker and incumbent Republican Sen. Jeff Sessions agreed to take part, as did lieutenant governor candidates Bill Armistead and Lucy Baxley.

The debate will be the first time the two candidates have taken part in a candidate forum or debate at the same time.

Last weekend, Riley was absent from the candidate forum in Orange Beach hosted by the Alabama Press Association.