VIDEO: With first debate criticized for lack of attention to upstate, Cynthia urges Cuomo to meet upstate & debate regional issues

Cynthia: Upstate deserves the same respect as the rest of the state

NEW YORK – On the heels of her commanding performance in last week’s debate, Cynthia Nixon today renewed her calls from July for Andrew Cuomo to debate her in upstate New York, with a focus on upstate issues. The call comes as the first debate between the candidates was criticized by upstate voters and media for focusing heavily on downstate.

“Upstate New York is every bit as important as the rest of the state,” Cynthia said today. “We need to make sure that the issues and concerns of all New Yorkers are discussed, so I hope Governor Cuomo will accept my offer to debate upstate.”

Back on July 19, Cynthia called for at least two debates, with one focusing on upstate issues. She is renewing that call today. See here.

After Wednesday’s debate at Hofstra University, many observers expressed concern about the exclusion of upstate issues. Newspapers in various upstate countiescondemned it, and leaders like Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz similarly expressed concern.

Governor Cuomo was criticized in an editorial yesterday by the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle for refusing to discuss regional issues with their editorial board, in addition to being called out by Times Union Editor Rex Smith for so far refusing to sit down with their editorial board, even though Cynthia Nixon and all four Attorney General candidates have made time to do so.

After campaigning in Rochester yesterday, Cynthia is making several stops in Ithaca and Syracuse today, and a few more tomorrow in Schenectady, and Saratoga Springs.

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