Republicans Dean Scontras of Eliot and Charlie Summers of Scarborough will debate at least twice before the June primary for the 1st Congressional District, the campaigns said.

The Scontras campaign proposed a series of three debates in late May and early June, after Summers is scheduled to return from active duty in Iraq where he’s a lieutenant commander in the U.S. Navy. His wife Ruth said Thursday that she’s agreed to two debates if Charlie isn’t off duty in time, but she’s optimistic he will be free to campaign — and debate — by the end of May.

Military rules prohibit him from campaigning while he’s on duty.

The 1st District includes southern Maine, and stretches up to include Augusta, Vassalboro, Albion and China. The western border includes Mount Vernon, Readfield, Winthrop and Monmouth.

Ruth Summers said they filed the signatures necessary to get on the ballot this week.