Because of the high profile and importance of debates, many potential sponsoring groups may emerge as elections approach. This can present a not uncommon scenario where groups are competing to stage debates. In some instances, reluctant candidates may seek to play rival debate groups against each other by agreeing to some debates and avoiding others. As a result, leading candidates may not end up appearing at the same event, thereby depriving the voters of the chance to contrast the top aspirants for office. To avoid this situation, the respective groups may wish to explore some degree of collaboration, which can range from uniting forces, to coordinating separate activities or agreeing to organize distinct types of events that do not “step” on one another -- such as one debate with all candidates and another forum with just the leading contenders. A coalition approach can also give the groups’ efforts greater collective clout and increase the chance the candidates will debate.