newjerseynewsroom.com

Third debate still on the table

TOM HESTER SR.

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

UPDATED

The dates for two debates involving New Jersey's three gubernatorial candidates have been finalized, the state Election Law Enforcement Commission announced Wednesday.

Democratic Gov. Jon Corzine, Republican challenger Chris Christie and Independent Chris Daggett will meet in two ELEC-sanctioned televised debates, the first on NJN-TV on Oct. 1 and the second at William Paterson College on Oct. 16. That debate will be televised two days later on WWOR (Channel 9) in New York and on WTFX (Channel 29) in Philadelphia.

A debate between the three lieutenant governor candidates, sponsored by Leadership New Jersey Consortium, is set for Oct. 8.

Christie and Daggett are required to take part in the debates because they are accepting public financing for their campaigns. Corzine is not accepting the money but has agreed to participate in both events. The governor came under criticism when, citing a crowded schedule, he attempted to have the Oct. 1 debate moved to Oct. 22.

In a related development, Daggett called on the League of Women Voters to host a third debate.

"The League of Women Voters has a distinguished history of sponsoring and hosting fair and balanced debates to inform voters about the gubernatorial candidates and their stand on issues,'' Daggett said. "In light of New Jersey's dire fiscal problems, a third televised debate would afford voters an opportunity to hear the candidates explain how they would balance the state budget.''

The LWV had sought to sponsor one of the two ELEC-sanctioned debates in concert with ABC's New York and Philadelphia affiliates but was not selected.

Christie, meanwhile, has issued an open challenge to Corzine to participate in a third debate on Oct. 22.