Republican state Senator Bob Beers, running for governor, has renewed his challenge to the front-running GOP candidate, Congressman Jim Gibbons, to join in debates in all 17 Nevada counties.

Beers made the same challenge three weeks ago but says Gibbons has refused to participate.

Gibbons spokesman Robert Uithoven says the congressman has agreed to one primary campaign debate in August, and will consider additional debates depending on his schedule. He doesn't want to have any debates before the close of candidate filing in May.

Beers raised the debate issue as Gibbons announced his endorsement by the Nevada Chapter of the National Federation of Independent Business -- the nation's largest small business advocacy group.

(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)