UTICA, N.Y. -- The New York state primary is on June 25 and two candidates running for Oneida County executive are calling on the incumbent to debate them later this week. 

Republican candidate David Gordon and Democrat Michael Hennessy held a joint press conference on Monday calling on County Executive Republican Anthony Picente to debate them on Thursday from 7-8 a.m. on WUTQ's Talk of the Town 100.7FM. 

"People deserve to hear out platform initiatives and how we plan to address the issues that face our community." said Gordon alongside Hennessy in front of the Oneida County office building.

However, that threeway debate will not happen according to Picente.

"Mr. Gordon has crossed the ethical line. I have no desire to be in the same roon with him or have any interest in discussing anything with him," Picente said. 

"We have to debate the issues, what we are going to do, how our plan stacks up to Dave's plan and Mr. Picente's plan. We cannot continue on the same road," Hennessy said.

Picente did go on to say it's a long time until November and he has plenty of time to discuss a time to debate Mr. Hennessy.

Picente is on the Republican and Conservative line. Gordon is on the Republican line and a write-in on the Conservative line. Hennessy is on the Democrat line and a write-in on the Conservative line.