The Republican Party of Miami-Dade County appears to have given up hope of trying to arrange a debate between Sen. Alex Villalobos, R-Miami, and his opponent, Miami-Dade School Board member Frank Bolanos, before the decisive Sept. 5 primary.

Party chairman Mary Ellen Miller sent a letter to party members and to both candidates Monday saying she tried to set up a debate at the party's next meeting, set for Thursday night (Aug. 17).

"I regret that the meeting reached an impasse," Miller wrote. "Therefore the debate will not take place for the candidates of District 38."