Colbert asked to be debate moderator

BOSTON, Mass. (AP) - Democrat Alan Khazei (KAY'-zee) is trying to import a moderator for a debate between the candidates vying to succeed the late Sen. Edward Kennedy.

The City Year co-founder sent an invitation Thursday to Comedy Central star Stephen Colbert (coal-BARE').

He asks in jest if the right-wing commentator is "tough enough" to come to Massachusetts and moderate a debate between four progressive Democrats.

Khazei has repeatedly challenged front-runner Martha Coakley to more debates. He appeared on Colbert's popular political show, "The Colbert Report," in January.

Kennedy died Aug. 25 of brain cancer.
A Colbert spokeswoman did not immediately respond to a request for comment.