PROVIDENCE — A candidates forum hosted by the Rhode Island Civil Rights Roundtable was shaping up as the only event where U.S. Rep. Patrick Kennedy might make a joint appearance with his Republican challenger, Jonathan Scott.

But now that event, scheduled for Monday, has been canceled.

In an e-mail that went out on Wednesday, the organizers of the event said: “Due to the federal budget bailout crisis, we are unable to confirm with certainty that the incumbent candidates will be able to participate in the Civil Rights Roundtable Congressional Forum. Therefore we are canceling the event, scheduled for Monday, October 6th at CCRI-Knight Campus. We regret any inconvenience this may cause.”

While not a traditional debate, the forum has in past election seasons provided congressional candidates an opportunity to answer questions about civil-rights issues, and more specifically this year, perceived “disparities” in economics, health care, employment, civil rights and other issues related to equality and justice.

Scott has asked Kennedy, a Democrat, to agree to face him in four debates, including “a 90-minute event controlled only by a time keeper (no moderator).”

Asked Kennedy’s response, his campaign manager, Andrew Caruolo, earlier this week said: “The congressman participated in a taped segment of candidates by the RI Broadcasters Association, and he will be participating in the 2008 US Congressional Candidates Forum on Monday, Oct. 6 at CCRI sponsored by the RI Civil Rights Roundtable.”

Beyond that, Caruolo said: “We have yet to receive any correspondence from Jonathan Scott. Due to the delay in Congress’ adjournment, the congressman’s schedule has been condensed into a shorter period of time and remains full of previously scheduled obligations.”

Caruolo did not respond to follow-up inquiries, but when asked whether that meant Kennedy was unable or unwilling to make time to debate his challenger, Kennedy press secretary Kerrie Bennett said Caruolo wasn’t saying this was the only joint appearance Kennedy was willing to make. At this point, she said, the congressman simply hasn’t made any other commitments.

The taping for the broadcasters association was a joint venture of the trade association that represents a number of Rhode Island television and radio stations.

It is a not a debate or even a joint appearance by candidates in any race, but rather an opportunity for each candidate to take up to two unchallenged and unedited minutes answering 12 questions. The executive director of the association, Lori Needham, said it has not yet been decided when the segments will run, but that they would run on the Web site of each of the member stations.

Among the questions posed to the candidates: What can Congress do to help move us to energy independence? Should Congress repeal the so-called “Chafee rider” which bars a casino on Narragansett Indian tribal lands? Do you support passage of a federal “reporter’s shield law” to bar prosecution of reporters who protect their sources? Tell us whether you support same-sex marriage, and talk about how you’ve come to your position. Would you support elimination of the Department of Education as a cabinet-level department, which some argue is an unconstitutional intrusion into state affairs? What do you think about the governor’s executive order cracking down on illegal immigration?”

On the Kennedy reelection front, Bennett said: “No debates are currently scheduled, but that is subject to change. As always, if groups reach out to invite the congressman, those invitations will be considered based upon the schedule. As joint appearances or debates are added to the schedule, we will certainly pass along.”

The cancellation of the Civil Rights Roundtable was not as dire for interested observors of the 2nd congressional race between Democratic incumbent James Langevin and his Republican opponent, Mark Zaccaria, who had both agreed earlier to appear.

Langevin spokeswoman Joy Fox said the congressman has agreed to take part in an Oct. 16 candidates forum hosted by the North Kingstown High School, an Oct. 21 South County Chamber of Commerce event and the October airing of a half-hour segment of WJAR’s (Channel 10) Sunday morning Political Roundtable.

Channel 10 executive producer Suzanne Nadeau-Beever said the station is hoping to air two half-hour segments featuring the candidates in the two congressional races on Oct. 26, and is awaiting word from Kennedy on his availability and willingness to participate. Kennedy is facing both Scott and Independent Kenneth A. Capalbo, who lists a South Kingstown address on his declaration papers that places him outside the congressional district where he is running.

Nadeau-Beever said the station also hopes to book a half-hour of questions-and-answers from U.S. Sen. Jack Reed and his opponent, Robert Tingle, but does not yet have commitments.

Asked yesterday if Reed had intended to take part in Monday’s Civil Rights Roundtable, his spokesman Chip Enruh said no, but did not respond when asked if Reed had committed to any other joint appearances or debates with his challenger.

Tingle e-mailed this response to the same inquiry: “The only appearance I had scheduled with Sen. Reed was The Civil Rights Roundtable. I am ready, willing and able to debate him anyplace and anywhere. It seems like he is trying to stay under the radar these days. I wonder why?”

In most election seasons, the Rhode Island League of Women Voters hosts at least one debate. Yesterday, in response to inquiries, state Chairman Hollie Courage apprised members of her group: “The state League will not be doing any debates for the congressional districts. It is disappointing, but RI PBS did not respond with any interest and generally, board interest was low as well. Dead horses came to mind during the discussion, which was brief.”

kgregg@projo.com