Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Charlie Crist is highly interested in debating Gov. Rick Scott.

But, according to partner newspaper the Tampa Bay Times, before Scott said before he agrees to that challenge, Crist should debate his fellow Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Nan Rich.

Crist, however, says he has no interest in debating Rich, a former state senator. In fact, Crist's spokesman, Kevin Cate, said in a statement Tuesday that Crist has all but closed the door on a debate before the Aug. 23 Democratic primary.

After an unsuccessful campaign for U.S. Senate as a Republican, and then an independent, Crist is now considered the front-runner for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination.