Hofstra prepares for governor debate

The seven candidates running for governor meet Monday night at Hofstra University for what may be their only debate before the Nov. 2 general election.

Hofstra employees spent the morning putting the final touches on the debate stage and audience seating at the David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex. About 1,000 people will witness the 90-minute debate, which begins at 7 p.m.

The debate will be broadcast live on cable television stations News12 Long Island, NY1 News, NY1 Noticias and YNN. It also will be carried by National Public Radio stations and streamed live over news12.com, newsday.com, ny1.com and ny1noticias.com.

The seven candidates were expected to spend much of the day in final preparation for the debate, which has been organized by News12 Networks, Newsday and Hofstra.

The candidates are Andrew Cuomo, Democratic, Working Families and Independence parties; Carl Paladino, Republican, Conservative and Taxpayers parties; Howie Hawkins, Green Party; Warren Redlich, Libertarian Party; Charles Barron, Freedom Party; Kristin Davis, Anti-Prohibition Party and Jimmy McMillan, Rent Is 2 Damn High Party.

Some experts said the stakes may be highest for Paladino who trails Cuomo by 35 percentage points in a New York Times poll of likely voters out Monday. About a week ago, the gap was 18 points in a separate poll.

"Paladino has to show he's credible, that he's serious about tackling New York's problems," said Douglas Muzzio, a politics professor at Baruch College/CUNY.

Paladino campaign manager Michael Caputo said Sunday night Paladino would be substantive and focus his comments on issues such as jobs and taxes, where his positions have garnered support. Paladino's poll numbers have plummeted since his controversial remarks about homosexuality and a confrontation with a New York Post reporter.

"This could be an unpredictable debate with all the candidates participating and that could draw a larger audience," Caputo said.

Cuomo spokesman Josh Vlasto said Sunday Cuomo would take the high road in the debate.

"The attorney general plans to focus at the debate on the issues that matter to New Yorkers like jobs, property taxes, and ethics," Vlasto said. "These are serious, difficult times and we need a serious and substantive debate."

Paladino, making his first bid for public office, has never debated before. As a lawyer and developer, however, he has made arguments in courtrooms.

Cuomo debated in his run for attorney general in 2006. He also managed the campaigns of his father, former Gov. Mario Cuomo.

Paladino's lieutenant governor running mate, Greg Edwards, plans to hold a news conference at 3 p.m. Monday to discuss the debate. Edwards, the Chautauqua County executive, will outline the campaign's approach to the debate.

News12 News and Newsday are owned by Cablevision Systems Corp. of Bethpage.