Doug Hoffman is ducking debates.

I can say it in no simpler terms.

Doug Hoffman, the Conservative Party's candidate for the 23rd Congressional District, will not attend today's News10Now debate - which he committed to - and Wednesday's debate in Plattsburgh.

I asked Rob Ryan, Mr. Hoffman's spokesman, why his candidate would not appear today in the Syracuse television station studios.

"The real debate is between Bill Owens and Doug Hoffman," he said, noting that the Democrats' candidate will also not appear. "Dede Scozzafava in dropping in the polls. She has become the spoiler. She should drop out of the race."

If the "real debate" is truly between Mr. Owens and Mr. Hoffman, then certainly the Conservative candidate would relish the opportunity to debate the Democrats' candidate at 5 p.m. Wednesday in Hawkins Hall, Giltz Auditorium, SUNY Plattsburgh.

Apparently not.

"This will be the perfect opportuntiy for Dede Scozzafava and Bill Owens to appear on North Country Public Radio and battle it out to decide who is the biggest liberal in this race," said Mr. Ryan, of that debate. "Doug Hoffman will win this race because he is the conservative."

I then asked Mr. Ryan why his candidate is afraid to debate.

"We're not afraid to debate," he said. "We're attending the debate at WSYR."

WSYR Newchannel 9's debate is in-studio, I pointed out. I then asked Mr. Ryan why his candidate is afraid to debate in front of actual voters.

The spokesman referred me back to his previous statements.

I've written previously about how Mr. Owens' team also seemed reticent to agree to debates. But the following morning, the campaign agreed to the Plattsburgh debate with Republican Dede Scozzafava. And I give them a lot of credit for that.

I'd much rather tell the voting public that these candidates are willing to interact with them, that they are willing to defend their positions when challenged and that the public is able to witness an exchange of ideas and then make an informed decision on Election Day.

But, sadly, that isn't the reality of this election.

Maybe my judgement is clouded. Maybe you can read Mr. Ryan's statements and see a different interpretation. If I missed the mark, let me know. I welcome your assessment.