Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jerry Brown is challenging his Republican rivals Meg Whitman and Steve Poizner to debate him before the June 8 primary.

Brown sent letters to Whitman and Poizner inviting first-ever bipartisan pre-primary debates.

"We cannot dely debating solutions," Brown said in a news release announcing the move. "The need is immediate, and millions and millions of dollars in an orgy of spending for TV commercials is not a substitute for an honest and open discussion."

Whitman and Poizner have debated once and are scheduled to debate once more next month. Brown faces no major Democratic challenger.

UPDATE: Whitman spokeswoman Sarah Pompei said Whitman was "open to considering the proposal."

Poizner agreed to the debate with spokesman Jarrod Agen throwing some initial rhetorical punches: "Steve Poizner is happy to debate his plan for California against a lying corporate CEO Meg Whitman and special interest career politician Jerry Brown. We match up nicely against those two and are willing to debate anywhere anytime. The voters of California deserve to see these candidates match up in an unscripted unedited setting."

UPDATE: The Whitman campaign is done considering, and the answer is no. Not only that, but Pompei suggested Brown first debate outsider Democratic gubernatorial candidate Richard Aguirre, who followed Brown around the convention Friday at times hollering his debate challenge.

"Jerry Brown should debate his own primary opponent, Richard Aguirre, as we've done and as we will do again in 2 weeks," Pompei said in an e-mail. In other words, no three-way debate between Poizner, Whitman and Brown, Pompei said.

UPDATE: The saga continues. Brown won't take no for an answer and has asked Whitman to reconsider. He released this statement:

"Private corporations sometimes hide behind slick advertising campaigns, but it's wrong for a serious political candidate to do the same. I urge Meg Whitman to reconsider. Surely, if she believes she is good enough to be governor of California she must also consider herself competent enough to appear with her opponents. A candidate for public office should not act like a used car salesperson who relies on misleading TV ads. Public service is a higher calling, one that demands integrity, openness and honesty. I encourage Meg Whitman to join with Steve Poizner and me in three joint appearances. If she honestly believes what she says in her radio and TV ads, she should welcome the opportunity to answer questions, explain herself and then ask me whatever she'd like. Our state is in serious trouble, and we need political candidates and public officials who are willing to face the voters, explain their ideas and give honest answers."

By the way, while handing out campaign buttons at the convention, Aguirre said he was pleased Whitman had called for Brown to debate him. He added he would gladly debate Whitman, Poizner and Brown if need be.

"If (Brown) opens that floodgate, the people will start to take power," Aguirre said.