As if they don't have other issues to fight about...

State Sen. Mark Mallory (left) and Councilman David Pepper debate Tuesday night at Alchemize, a Walnut Street bar. (Photo by Joe Wessels/Cincinnati Advance Radio)

Tuesday night's mayoral debate at Alchemize, an Over-the-Rhine bar, started 10 minutes later than its scheduled 8 p.m. start because candidates Mark Mallory and David Pepper were too busy debating the length of their opening statements.

Pepper wanted five minutes (which is what organizers had planned); Mallory wanted two minutes. The topic has been a sticking point since the Sept. 13 primary, and the two candidates huddled with advisers at length before the debate to negotiate the terms.

The controversy ended when Brian Griffin, a debate organizer, told the candidates: "The longer you go on, the less time you'll have to debate."

Opening statements ended up at three minutes, though Mallory used only two-and-a-half.