Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino has agreed to take part in both debates against Gov. Andrew Cuomo, and is also calling for a third one to be scheduled so the opponents can meet face-to-face.
Cuomo agreed to do a radio-only encounter in New York City, as well as a debate on a public access television station in Buffalo, which would include two minor party candidates. Astorino calls the offer insulting to the people of New York State.
He says he wants a televised one-on-one with the governor. His campaign released a statement, saying, "This is just Governor Cuomo playing games. Despite their claims, there have been no negotiations between the campaigns. It's clear Governor Cuomo is terrified to go one-on-one with County Executive Astorino on television."
Cuomo's campaign has said the debates will be held in mid-October, but no exact dates have been set yet.