KGO Radio Debate Cancelled

California's gubernatorial candidates have pulled the plug on a long-anticipated radio debate today in San Francisco with KGO's Ronn Owens.

SFGate.com reports political analysts say the move allows them to dodge tough questions in a race roiled by the story of an undocumented housekeeper who worked for Republican Meg Whitman.

Representatives for Whitman and her opponent, Democrat Jerry Brown, said the decision to cancel the hourlong debate this morning was "mutual." They added that the meeting had not been finalized.

KGO producer Mark Silverman said the candidates had agreed to debate but that he received a phone call Friday from Rob Stutzman, a senior adviser to Whitman, and Sterling Clifford, a spokesman for Brown, canceling their candidates' participation.

The two candidates, who have debated twice, are scheduled for their final face-off on Oct. 12 at Dominican College in San Rafael, which will be moderated by broadcaster Tom Brokaw.

"Ronn Owens is tough - it's a call-in show where they'll get real-people questions," said Barbara O'Connor, a Sacramento State University political communications professor emeritus. She said the cancellation is a loss for state voters.

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