Mr. Hoffman and the Plattsburgh debate

I posted the following open letter last week (see below) urging Doug Hoffman to join us at the debate this week (Oct. 28, 5pm start time, with a 7 pm NCPR broadcast) in Plattsburgh.

It's the only forum in this campaign held within the district and the only event held before a live audience with questions from district voters.

Still no response from Hoffman's campaign.

But here's a fascinating moment in Jude Seymour's blog in the Watertown Daily Times:

Rob Ryan, spokesman for Conservative Party candidate Doug Hoffman said: "As things stand now, we're not going [to the Plattsburgh debate]."

Mr. Ryan first said there was "other stuff on the schedule" that precluded them from going, but then finished the conversation by saying the candidate's schedule for next week wasn't "locked in."

That provided me with a glimmer of hope that the candidate will prioritize being out in front of the people he wants to elect him when setting his schedule next week.

I'm hearing a lot about this debate issue from other journalists and editors -- and from the public. There's a credibility question looming here.

If Mr. Hoffman passes on this crucial event because of "other stuff on the schedule," does that reflect questionable priorities? A deliberate strategy of avoidance? What?

Here's my first post on the issue:

An open letter to Doug Hoffman, Conservative,

On Wednesday, October 28th, a coalition of groups including NCPR will host a debate at SUNY Plattsburgh between the candidates running for the 23rd House district seat.

The event at 5pm will be held before a live audience. It's the only debate currently scheduled inside the district. It's the only debate that will be held in a public setting.

Republican Dede Scozzafava and Democrat Bill Owens have confirmed that they will participate.

So far, you and your campaign have not signed on, despite repeated requests.

Put bluntly, it is absolutely imperative that you be there for the voters of this district.

They deserve a chance to see all three of their choices in an open forum accepting questions from journalists and the public.

I've been party to efforts to arrange two other forums in the district and your campaign has demonstrated a clear reluctance to participate.

Questions are also growing about the fact that you live outside the district.

Some critics suggest that you have a thin track record of involvement with or knowledge of many of the issue and concerns that face the region.

Your campaign has focused instead on flat taxes and ACORN.

Fair enough, but we also want to ask you about rural healthcare delivery, care for our soldiers returning from the wars, and education funding.

We also want to see you demonstrate in a long-format and public setting that you can think on your feet, without the packaging and handling that has shaped much of this campaign.

It's important to note that you're not the only candidate in this race who's been "packaged" by national forces.

Democrats and Republicans in Washington DC are pulling a lot of strings, too.

But Mr. Owens and Ms. Scozzafava will be at this debate. By agreeing to take your proper place on the podium, you -- like they -- will put many of those concerns to rest.

As one of the co-moderators, I can assure you that the tone will be challenging and rigorous, but also respectful and scrupulously fair.

You've begun a remarkable political journey. It's time to strike a balance between the national movement that has adopted you and the local voters who you will serve if elected.

Respectfully,

Brian Mann
Reporter & Adirondack bureau chief