ST. LOUIS • In his first week on the job, new John Brunner campaign manager Jon Seaton issued a debate challenge to the other Republican Senate contenders that he hoped would be taken at face value.

In a letter to Brunner's party rivals, Seaton wrote "Too often, politicians try to score points in the media by 'debating debates,'" a stage Seaton said he hopes the candidates could avoid. 

Good luck — it might already be too late.

Two months ago, Sarah Steelman, who is also vying for the GOP's Senate nomination, proposed a series of debates, a request that was accepted by the other Republican in the race, U.S. Rep. Todd Akin, but turned down by Brunner.

"On Oct. 5 I called for debates. Akin agreed — now the other opponent thinks he just came up with the idea!" Steelman tweeted Thursday. "Go figure?"

Just to make sure her point was made, Steelman punctuated her message with the hashtag "#nospine" — as in "No Spine."

It will be interesting to see how Brunner, who served as an infantry officer in the Marine Corps, takes the jab.

Maybe it will actually prompt the candidates to hold a debate — instead of just debating about it.