UPDATED 9:15 a.m. -- Incumbent state Rep. Jim Miceli, D-Wilmington,  and GOP challenger Mario Marchese have agreed to meet in a debate on Oct. 21.

While Marchese, also of Wilmington,  has publicly expressed an interest in multiple debates, Miceli has chosen the strategy of campaigning on his long record of public service.

A location for the Oct. 21 debate has yet to be selected, with the Tewksbury Senior Center and the Wilmington Middle School among the possibilities. The 19th Middlesex District includes Wilmington and a portion of Tewksbury.

"It's about time my opponent stopped playing games," said Miceli. "I look forward to the debates which are scheduled on Oct. 21, and Oct. 22. This will help the people of Tewksbury and Wilmington see the differences between us as we debate the important issues such as jobs, the economy, reform, and our respective performances as public officials."

"I'm very excited for the opportunity to debate my opponent and show the citizens of Wilmington and Tewksbury the real differences between us," said Marchese. "I feel the main issue right now is about who has the best plan on how to bring real jobs back to not only Massachusetts but to the 19th Middlesex District.  I look forward to sharing my ideas with the public letting people know that I want to be their Balanced Voice on Beacon Hill."

The Oct. 21 debate will be moderated by Steve Bjork, editor of the Wilmington-Tewksbury Town Crier. The candidates will be grilled by a panel of local journalists, including Bill Gilman, editor of TewksburyPatch, and representatives from the Lowell Sun, the Advocate and WCAP in Lowell. The debate will be broadcast on WCTV.

The Oct. 22 event Miceli is referring to is a candidate forum at the Lowell Sun.