Green Party Candidate Hawkins Renews Call for Debates

Howie Hawkins, the Green Party candidate for New York governor, says debates should feature all of those who are seeking the office.

Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo faced one challenger, Republican Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro in a New York City debate on Tuesday.

Hawkins, during an interview on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program Wednesday, said New York residents deserve more than a single debate featuring the two major party candidates.

Hawkins renewed his proposal for four debates in four cities on four topics: the economy, government reform, climate and the environment, and social policies.

Hawkins, who lives in Syracuse, said he believes it is wrong to exclude candidates who will be on the ballot on November 6 just because they aren't affiliated with one of the major parties.

Hawkins said "Marc Molinaro's chances of winning this race are about as good as mine - so why is he included and not me?"

Libertarian Party candidate Larry Sharpe will be on the general election ballot as a candidate for governor, as will former Syracuse mayor Stephanie Miner, who will represent the Serve America Movement.

LISTEN to the Howie Hawkins interview as broadcast on October 24, 2018.