COLUMBUS, Ohio -- A proposed debate between Ted Strickland and Ken Blackwell has been canceled. The Ohio Association of Broadcasters told NewsCenter 7 it has withdrawn its proposal to broadcast a statewide debate on 25 television stations next month.

The group said to two candidates were arguing too much over the particulars.

NewsCenter 7’s Scott MacFarlane said the gubernatorial race is turning into one of the most combative campaigns in the nation. The race will be expensive and it will be fierce.

Both sides have raised huge campaign war chests this year, and both sides have started attacking.

Republicans are criticizing Strickland’s record in Washington, while Democrats are criticizing Blackwell’s performance in Columbus.

In one commercial, Strickland said he helped save a Wheeling-Pittsburgh steel plant with federal loans. In another commercial, Blackwell’s campaign bashed Strickland’s voting record on tax issues.

On Blackwell’s Web site, he throws a strong punch by saying, “Strickland has shown a lack of leadership and lack of honesty.”

Strickland swipes back at Ohio Republican leaders by saying, “I think the people of Ohio are thirsty for change. They know that what we’ve got now is not working. They are sick and tired of corruption.”

Democrats are still criticizing Blackwell for his performance as chief elections officer during the 2004 presidential election.

President George W. Bush recently visited Ohio to campaign on behalf of Blackwell and to raise money.