Over the next three weeks, Farrell and Shays are scheduled to face off 11 times in debates that could prove decisive in their race, a widely watched campaign seen as pivotal in determining who controls Congress after the Nov. 7 election.

The two will face each other — and sometimes one or two of the minor party-candidates — in appearances sponsored by business, education and grass-roots voter groups.

And, according to Quinnipiac University associate political science professor Scott McLean, the robust schedule of debates is a rarity.

"I rarely hear of 11 debates," McLean marveled last week. "I think it has to do with how close it is."

The 4th District race could be more significant than ever this year. Democrats, who have not won the seat since 1966, hope to win it as one of 15 they need nationwide to regain the control of the House they lost in 1994. For both major candidates — particularly Farrell, the challenger — there is an advantage in having so many appearances, allowing them repeat opportunities to drive home their primary campaign messages, McLean said. On the other hand, he said, the impact could be lessened by the sheer frequency of the debates.

"Neither one of them wants to get burned if they make a mistake," he pointed out.

Although no organization has released a public poll, both the Shays and Farrell campaigns have said they expect a close contest. The outcome may be even tighter than the 4 percentage points by which Shays, the veteran incumbent from Bridgeport, beat Farrell, then Westport's first selectman, in their first matchup two years ago, the rival camps indicate.

But McLean pointed out the Shays-Farrell forums generally aren't debates in the classic sense, where candidates have the stage to themselves and directly face off against each other. Rather, they are more like joint appearances, where each will respond to a series of questions from panelists picked by the event sponsor.

Shays responded to Farrell's call for debates last spring by saying he would certainly participate in such events as Election Day drew closer. Even in years when he was the overwhelming favorite, Shays has agreed to debate, although many dominant incumbents refuse such invitations so as not to give challengers equal exposure.

But this year, Libertarian Philip Maymin of Greenwich and Green Party candidate Richard Z. Duffee of Stamford hope to share the campaign spotlight from the major candidates.

Both minor party candidates have lobbied debate-sponsoring organizations vigorously for a chance to participate.

They have had mixed success.

The Bridgeport Regional Business Council and the American Association of Retired Persons will stick with only the Republican and Democratic contenders.

"It's a short debate," said BRBC President Paul Timpanelli of the Oct. 10 candidate session at Housatonic Community College in Bridgeport. He also said BRBC members don't consider that Maymin and Duffee have realistic chances of victory. Using state guidelines calling for evidence of campaign fundraising and volunteer participation, local League of Women Voters chapters have invited Maymin to join sessions in Norwalk on Wednesday and Wilton on Oct. 17, said Pauline Shamas, a coordinator from Darien.

But Duffee's campaign, she said, is "not a viable candidacy."

However, the forums at Temple Israel of Westport on Oct. 15 and Fairfield University on Oct. 16 will include all four candidates.

Philip Eliasoph, the art history professor overseeing the Fairfield U. program, stressed that it is part of the "Open Visions" series at the school. Fairfield's session will also feature panelists drawn from a spectrum of student organizations.

McLean said some voters will monitor the debates anticipating that one of the major candidates will crack under the pressure. But he said that's unlikely for such experienced politicians.

He said most politicians prepare for debates by studying thick briefing books, and staging mock sessions with campaign staffers and consultants playing opponents and questioners.

But even without that, both Shays and Farrell are seasoned hands at public forums.

Shays, he points out, has held frequent forums throughout his congressional career, taking on constituents who sometimes challenge his positions vigorously.

"I suppose Farrell is feeling confident too," he said. "I think she just wants to keep the pressure on," and suggested her constant pounding of Shays on his Iraq positions has had an impact.

"He's moderated his views," McLean said.

Besides helping voters choose a candidate, he suggested the debates could have an impact in other ways.

"Maybe it'll set a new standard for civility in our discourse," he said.

The schedule of debates and their sponsors follows:

? Wednesday at 1 p.m., sponsored by the Business Council of Southwestern Connecticut at the Stamford Marriott.

? Thursday at 7 p.m., League of Women Voters from the coastal towns, Norwalk Community College.

? Next Sunday at 7 p.m., World Affairs Forum at the Stamford campus of the University of Connecticut.

? Oct. 10 at 8 a.m., Bridgeport Regional Business Council at Housatonic Community College in Bridgeport.

? Oct. 11 at 7:30 p.m., Jewish Center for Community Services at Temple B'nai Israel in Bridgeport.

? Oct. 15 at 7:30 p.m., Temple Israel of Westport.

? Oct. 16 at 10 a.m., AARP at the Holiday Inn in Bridgeport.

? Oct. 16 at 8 p.m., Fairfield University in its Quick Center.

? Oct. 17 at 7:30 p.m., League of Women Voters at Wilton High School.

? Oct. 18 at 8 a.m., Stamford Chamber of Commerce in the Stamford Marriott.

? Oct. 19 at 1 p.m., Greater Norwalk Chamber of Commerce and News 12 at the Continental Manor.