Hoffman camp explains absence from debate

The Plattsburgh Press-Republican reported this morning that Conservative candidate Doug Hoffman sat out last night’s forum at SUNY Plattsburgh because of public radio’s involvement.

But Rob Ryan, Hoffman’s campaign spokesman, made comments to the Press-Republican about 30 minutes before the event that suggested North Country Public Radio’s involvement was the reason Hoffman did not attend.

“North Country Public Radio is the perfect venue to decide who is the most liberal candidate in the race,” Ryan said, adding that Hoffman would participate in a televised debate in Syracuse today.

In an email to NCPR today, Ryan disputed this account. He said the campaign had no concerns about NCPR or the structure of the format.

The reason we weren’t there was we had individuals to meet and calls to make to get local Republicans to endorse Doug….nothing to with format or anything else…