CANTON – 48th District Sen. Darrel Aubertine had the podium to himself Monday at what had been intended as a debate between Aubertine and challenger Patty Ritchie hosted by the League of Women Voters at SUNY Canton.

Ritchie had said she would not be there.

Aubertine followed through with his intention to attend the planned debate.

“This was an opportunity to discuss the issues central to this race with the people of St. Lawrence County and I was not going to pass on this chance to talk about the issues,” Aubertine said. “It’s unfortunate my opponent did not take this opportunity to discuss the issues in a public forum, but regardless, I believe it is important to speak directly to the voters and the media to show where we stand to voters in St. Lawrence County.”

So the senator chose to move ahead with the forum at the Campus Center with local media in attendance. Aubertine’s campaign said that in each of his campaigns he has never passed up debates in St. Lawrence County.

“This really highlights Patty Ritchie’s refusal to answer the difficult questions from the people of St. Lawrence County,” said Drew Mangione, campaign spokesman. “The people of St. Lawrence County deserve this opportunity and this begs the question: Why would she duck this or any chance to talk to people in St. Lawrence County?”