TULSA, Okla. (AP) - The race for the 1st Congressional District has soured pretty quickly, as five-term incumbent John Sullivan trades barbs with political newcomer Jim Bridenstine over who's the best qualified to represent the northeastern part of Oklahoma.

The latest spat: debates, or lack thereof.

Bridenstine accuses Sullivan of ducking several opportunities to debate before the June 26 primary.

Sullivan's camp says while he's welcomed opportunities to debate, the congressional voting schedule doesn't allow enough time in the 1st District when those groups would have been available to host a forum.

Bridenstine's attacked Sullivan's vote record, accusing him of missing 679 of 7,650 votes since taking office in 2002.

Sullivan has said he missed votes due to a death in the family and a 2009 stay at the Betty Ford Center in California.