It looks like voters in New York won't get the chance to see the candidates for governor debate after Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo balked at his opponents' proposals for an exchange.
Cuomo's Republican challenger, Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro, wanted a one-on-one debate with Cuomo, who is seeking a third term. Three third-party candidates had wanted a five-person debate.
Cuomo hasn't explained his reluctance. He's far ahead in the polls and in fundraising.
While it's still possible a debate could be scheduled, most such events are announced far ahead of Election Day.
It's not the first time a sitting governor has skipped the traditional debate. Cuomo's father, the late Gov. Mario Cuomo, did not debate Republican George Pataki in 1994. Pataki went on to win the election, keeping the elder Cuomo from a fourth term.
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