News 12 Networks, Newsday, and Hofstra University just announced the first gubernatorial debate will be held on Monday, Oct. 18. So far, six candidates – including AG Andrew Cuomo, but not including Carl Paladino – have agreed to participate.

“Andrew Cuomo accepted the Newsday/News 12 invitation to debate yesterday afternoon,” said Cuomo spokesman Ben Lawsky.

“We look forward to a vigorous debate of the issues that matter to New Yorkers. To say that the Andrew Cuomo has not agreed to debate is demonstrably false and misleading.”

Actually, Paladino is the ONLY candidate who has not agreed to participate, which is ironic, considering that he has been harping on the debate issue for weeks now and will reportedly do so again in the three-minute missive that is about to air upstate.

Cuomo has been keeping his debate plans close to the vest, saying only that he will participate but not when and with whom.

Apparently, he’s decided to go the 2002 George Pataki route and opt for a free-for-all with the minor party contenders. That will no doubt provide him with considerable cover, since a crowded dais means less time per candidate to answer questions.

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