Negotiating Posture

So the Ehrlich and O'Malley camps are in the process of setting the groundwork for negotiations over the number of debates to be held during this election season. I find it interesting that the O'Malley camp has asked for this:

O'Malley was more specific, suggesting five debates between the gubernatorial candidates and two between their running mates.

That seems like a candidate who has some interesting poll data. Challengers never ask for that many debates unless they need such a high number of debates because they think it will help their poll numbers. It always helps the frontrunner to hold more and more debates. By asking for a specific number of debates, O'Malley has virtually conceded the frontrunner status to the Governor despite O'Malley's lead in the current public polls.

I just don't see the public tuning in for five debates. Of course, I can't see the public tuning in for any debates between Delegate Brown and Secretary Cox because people just don't vote on the basis of the running mates in these contests.