Republican Rick Jackson is passing up a televised debate with Democratic gubernatorial nominee Keisha Lance Bottoms to campaign across Georgia with Gov. Brian Kemp, putting the two candidates on separate stages just as early voting begins Tuesday. Bottoms is scheduled to take part in the Atlanta Press Club’s governor’s debate at 8 p.m. Monday at Georgia Public Broadcasting in Atlanta. Jackson declined the invitation, leaving an empty lectern beside Bottoms. The debate is part of the club’s Loudermilk-Young series, which features candidates in races across the state. Jackson’s alternative schedule includes a statewide tour with Kemp, featuring health care roundtables and rallies. Stops are planned in Atlanta, Augusta, Columbia County, Columbus, Macon and Savannah, according to the campaign schedule. The debate comes as Georgia voters prepare to cast ballots in the final stretch of the campaign. The Press Club’s debates are being held over two days, with candidates from other statewide and legislative races also set to appear. The series is available through the club’s broadcast and online channels. With Jackson absent, Bottoms will have the debate stage to herself. The event gives voters an opportunity to hear from the Democratic nominee directly, while Jackson’s tour puts him alongside the popular Republican governor at campaign events around the state.