Jennifer Jacobs

U.S. Rep. Brian Bilbray (R-Carlsbad)The campaign for U.S. Rep. Brian Bilbray (R-Carlsbad) has turned down an invitation to appear at a September debate in San Diego, with a spokeswoman for Bilbray reiterating that the congressman would only participate in debates remotely from Washington.

“We’ve made out position very clear as to how we are going to participate in debates,” said Bilbray campaign spokeswoman Jennifer Jacobs.

Jacobs said the campaign had never agreed to take part in the Sept. 17 town hall sponsored by the Men's Club of Congregation Beth Israel in San Diego.

Jacobs explained that the House was scheduled to be in session throughout September and October and did not want to agree to participate in an in-district debate only to have Bilbray called back to Washington for votes.