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Cuomo, Molinaro spar over debates in NY gov race

Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo (left) and Republican challenger Marc Molinaro (right)

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has agreed to debate Republican challenger Marc Molinaro on a New York City radio station, only to have Molinaro reject the idea.

Posted: Oct. 19, 2018 3:19 PM

Posted By: The Associated Press

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has agreed to debate Republican challenger Marc Molinaro on a New York City radio station, only to have Molinaro reject the idea.

Cuomo was being interviewed Friday on WCBS radio when the host asked if he would participate in a debate on Saturday.

Cuomo agreed. But when the station contacted Molinaro he said no.

Molinaro called the invitation a "fraud" and said any debate should be televised statewide.

Cuomo had for weeks rejected calls to debate Molinaro and three third-party candidates.

He said on Friday it's because his GOP rival hasn't run a substantive campaign. Cuomo asserts that Molinaro, a moderate Republican, represents "ultraconservative" views.