SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) Republican Gov. Susana Martinez is declining the New Mexico Press Association's invitation for a debate against Democratic challenger Gary King at the newspaper group's convention next month. The Santa Fe New Mexican reports that King accepted the association's invitation for a Sept. 27 debate but that Martinez's campaign declined without explanation.
Association Executive Director Phil Lucey says he hopes Martinez reconsiders and accepts the invitation. He says that if she doesn't, King will speak at the convention Hyatt Regency Tamaya at Santa Ana Pueblo and field questions from journalists.
Martinez campaign spokeswoman Chis Sanchez says two other joint appearances with King have been scheduled and that others are expected. King campaign spokesman Keith Brietbach says King has accepted debate and forum invitations from several organizations.
