Mr. Hoffman and tonight’s debate

According to the Plattsburgh Press-Republican, Mr. Hoffman’s spokesman, Rob Ryan, suggested that the Conservative sat out the debate because of NCPR’s involvement.

According to the newspaper, Mr. Ryan suggested that NCPR is a “liberal” news organization and that our involvement in the forum was an obstacle to Mr. Hoffman taking part.

NCPR has had only cordial and professional contact with the Hoffman campaign. Our reporters are friends and acquaintances with members of Mr. Hoffman’s staff and family.

To suggest that we would treat Mr. Hoffman unfairly is simply baseless.

What’s more, Mr. Hoffman and Mr. Ryan had every opportunity to raise concerns about the format or structure of this event.

They never did so. Indeed, when I saw Mr. Hoffman this afternoon, in person, he apologized for not taking part — but still failed to offer a good rationale for remaining on the sidelines.

Even if one had concerns about our motives, it’s fair to ask:

If Mr. Hoffman felt unable to articulate his views in this setting, how will he perform in Congress, a far more combative and challenging venue?

I think anyone listening to the debate will understand our purpose very clearly. We worked hard to refocus the conversation on bread-and-butter issues affecting the 23rd House district.

It would have been profitable for everyone if Mr. Hoffman had chosen to take part and share his own views.

–Brian Mann, NCPR