Steve here. I think this is my first contribution to the City Desk blog even though I've been listed as a contributor for close to a year now...

Anyhow, it seems there's conflicting reports about debates between Jim Tedisco and Scott Murphy in the race to fill the 20th Congressional District seat. Andrew's seeking out clarification, but for now here are press releases from the two candidates:

TEDISCO SETS FIRST DEBATE FOR 20th CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT RACE

WROW debate to be held March 24th

Jim Tedisco (R,C-Saratoga), 20th Congressional District candidate, today agreed to the first debate of the race. The debate is scheduled for Tuesday, March 24th at 7 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Express on Wolf Road in Colonie.

The debate will be moderated by WROW-AM 590 afternoon drive-time host Sherman Baldwin. The format will be 30 minutes of questions from the audience and 30 minutes of moderated discussion.

“I was the first to call for debates and the first to schedule a debate and now I hope my opponent accepts the invitation to participate in this forum so voters can learn where we stand on the economy, job creation and tax relief,” said Tedisco.

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Murphy Campaign Agrees to Times-Union/WMHT Debate on March 19th

Scott Murphy Campaign Expresses Disappointment with Tedisco's Grandstanding

Glens Falls, NY—On Wednesday, Scott Murphy's Campaign for Congress accepted a debate on March 19th hosted by the Times Union and WMHT for the special election for New York's 20th Congressional District.

Murphy's campaign also expressed its disappointment with Assemblyman Jim Tedisco's refusal to show up at the League of Women Voters debate planning meeting and for his continued grandstanding. "Scott Murphy is excited about attending the March 19th debate hosted by the Times-Union and WMHT," said Murphy spokesman Ryan Rudominer.

"Scott looks forward to drawing a sharp contrast between his record as a career businessman who helped create over 1000 jobs and his support for President Obama's economic policies and that of career politician Jim Tedisco who supports President Bush's failed economic policies. Moving forward, we hope that Tedisco is willing to meet with civic organizations and schedule debates instead of grandstanding, so that other news organizations requesting the same date are not left out."

BACKGROUND

On February 13th, NBC-Albany requested a debate for March 24th and Radio WROW is considering a date during the same week. Scott would like to be able to accommodate both if possible.

Unfortunately, Jim Tedisco's campaign refused to attend a meeting with the League of Women Voters and WROW on Tuesday, where the Murphy and Sundwald campaigns were represented.