Rep. to Miss Tues. Candidate Forum Due to Scheduling Conflict on Saturday, Di iorio Asked National Herald to Re-Issue Previous Debate Invite for Oct. 30

Press Release

When Di iorio confronted Maloney on Monday, October 20 at the Met Opera protest, she denied his request to debate. Now, after refusing invitations from Columbia University Republicans and Democrats as well as The National Herald, she will also miss Tuesday's 17th Precinct Community Council Candidates' Night forum, due to a scheduling conflict.

On Saturday, Oct. 25, the Di iorio campaign asked The National Herald to re-issue their debate invitation for Oct. 30th in a final effort to secure a debate for the voters of the 12th Congressional District. The Maloney campaign consented and both campaigns have now agreed to a debate (as opposed to just a forum) on Oct. 30 hosted by The National Herald in Astoria. The New York Daily News photo caption ("Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) crossed paths with her opponent Nick Di Iorio last week. It was during that encounter that she agreed to a debate for Thursday." - http://nydn.us/12M2Cr1) is incorrect and the Di iorio campaign has requested a retraction.

Thursday's debate (time TBA), hosted by The National Herald, will have a debate format agreed to by both campaigns and is as follows:

-For each question asked to the candidates, the format will be 2-2-1-1. For example, for each question, Person A would give a 2-minute answer, Person B would give a 2-minute answer, Person A would give a 1-minute response, and finally Person B would give a 1-minute response. The debaters will alternate who responds to the question first.

-There will be 3 categories of questions: 1) The Astoria Community; 2) Greek Issues, particularly Military Tensions between Greece, Cyprus, and Turkey; and 3) General questions on the economy and foreign affairs

-A minimum of 9 questions will be asked.

-The moderator(s) will be affiliated with The National Herald and they will ask the candidates questions pertaining to the 3 categories specified above.

-Candidates will use no prepared notes, printed materials or any electronic devices. Candidates may only be accompanied by a writing utensil and blank paper to use during the debate.

"I am pleased Rep. Maloney has finally agreed to debate me, even though it is very late in this campaign. I especially want to thank The National Herald and Columbia University Republican and Democrat student organizations for their invitations and great efforts. While I am disappointed Rep. Maloney weeks ago refused the Columbia students' bi-partisan invitation to debate and now suddenly will be on travel, it is with heartfelt gratitude and appreciation that I extend my warmest praise for those organizations for working to play such a vital role in our democratic process. I also want to thank the 17th Precinct for their invitation to take part in a Candidates' Night forum."

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