We’re gearing up for the first round of debates between Republican Assemblyman Jim Tedisco and Democratic candidate Scott Murphy. Their initial meeting will take place this coming Tuesday, March 3, in Saratoga Springs, New York in the public library. The event will be hosted by AARP and the topics will include health care, Social Security, long term care and enhanced retirement security.
Longer range plans include another debate on March 26, shortly before the election, which will be sponsored by the League of Women Voters.
These developments come on the heels of a recent Siena poll showing Tedisco holding a twelve point lead over Murphy. Both sides found something to cheer about, including the Murphy Campaign, who felt they were closing the gap with their Republican rival. While that’s one way to look at it, another is that an increasing number of people have actually heard of Murphy now as compared to a few weeks ago when he was a virtual unknown in the district.