Incumbent State Sen. Linda "Toddy" Puller (D) will meet up with her GOP rival, candidate Jeff Frederick, this week at two venues, in the first of a series of joint appearances before they meet on the ballot on Nov. 8. The two are vying for the state's 36th District Senate seat.

On his campaign Web site, Frederick takes out after Puller, stating in a headline: "Puller Refuses Debates With Frederick."

In a letter to Frederick, which he published on his site, Puller explains that the two are already set to meet in four joint appearances and that she expects there to be other opportunities to discuss the issues leading up to the Nov. 8 election.

Frederick said that constituents within the 36th District, which includes a wide swath of Route 1, should have an opportunity to hear about his and Puller's competing plans for the area. Puller seems to say in her letter that the joint appearances and others that may come along will do for now.

Here are the dates, time and locations for the four scheduled appearances:

1. Wednesday (9/14), Prince William Committee of 100, Westminster at Lake Ridge, 12191 Clipper Drive, Woodbridge 22192

2. Thursday (9/15), Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce (unconfirmed by group as of Monday afternoon)

3. Oct. 4, Mason Neck Civic Association (no Web site found)

4. Oct. 20, The Fairfax, Lorton (no other information available)