That’s not good enough, Mr. Hoffman

For the last week, NCPR and a broad coalition of other groups have been urging Doug Hoffman, from Lake Placid, to attend the one debate currently scheduled inside the 23rd district.

It takes place tomorrow evening at SUNY Plattsburgh before a live audience.

The event is also the only time in the campaign where average voters will have a chance to see the candidates live, in a venue not scripted by the candidates’ handlers.

Democrat Bill Owens and Republican Dede Scozzafava have agreed to attend. Mr. Hoffman has refused.

Yesterday, NCPR’s David Sommerstein questioned Hoffman spokesman Rob Ryan, who offered this excuse for backing out of Monday’s News 10 Now forum:

“Dede Scozzafava is a spoiler in this race,” Ryan said. “The real debate is between Bill Owens and Doug Hoffman.”

Bill Owens will be at the Plattsburgh debate. If Mr. Hoffman wants to face him, he should agree to take the stage.

When asked why he wouldn’t attend Wednesday’s event, Ryan claimed that there was a scheduling conflict.

But when pressed by NCPR, Ryan acknowledged that he couldn’t cite any specific conflicts.

“Everything is changing on the schedule, basically an hourly basis,” he said.

Which means that Mr. Hoffman can make an executive decision today, changing his schedule to take part in the Plattsburgh forum.

The Conservative candidate has promised courageous leadership if he’s elected to Congress. It’s time to demonstrate some of that courage now.

We urge Mr. Hoffman to shake off his handlers and the national special interest groups that are shaping his campaign, just for 90 minutes.

Please join us, Mr. Hoffman, for a direct conversation with the voters you hope to serve. The forum will be challenging, but also scrupulously fair and civil.

–Brian Mann, NCPR