The campaign of Antonio Delgado, the Democrat challenging incumbent John Faso for the 19th Congressional District in New York claims his opponent "is refusing to accept debates with two of the largest media outlets in our district." Delgado's campaign says public broadcasting station WMHT and Spectrum News are both attempting to organize televised debates between the two candidates, but Faso won't agree. “Faso will only debate on his own terms, just like he will only hold town halls on his own terms. He forgets that the job is not about him, it’s about the people,” said Delgado. “This is yet another cynical dodge from an absentee congressman who has repeatedly refused to address the issues that are critical to the people in our district. It’s abundantly clear why he is avoiding talking about these issues, because he can’t explain why he voted in favor of gutting healthcare protections for people here with pre-existing conditions, defunding Planned Parenthood after promising not to and increasing out-of-pocket medical costs.” Faso has not held any traditional town hall meetings during his term, only meeting with constituents in public under guarded conditions, or at appearances that are not announced to the public in advance. Chris McKenna reports at The Fray that Faso’s campaign spokesman, Joe Gierut, says Faso will only debate if all candidates are included. “John feels strongly that candidates who are on the ballot have the opportunity to participate,” Gierut said. Green Party candidate Steve Greenfield and independent Luisa Parker of Callicoon will also be on the ballot in November for the Congressional seat. Faso and Delgado will be at two events that also include Greenfield: An Ulster Chamber of Commerce candidates’ forum on Sept. 20; and a WAMC radio debate on Oct. 22. Faso and Delgado both did appear together at an Aug. 29 candidate forum in Callicoon sponsored by the New York League of Conservation Voters Education Fund, the Friends of the Upper Delaware River, the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed, and the Delaware Highlands Conservancy. That forum focused on the environment, but was not broadcast.