YNN and the Campbell Public Affairs Institute at Syracuse University extended an invitation for the three candidates running for the 24th Congressional District to debate. Two of them accepted the offer: Republican incumbent Ann Marie Buerkle and Green Party candidate Ursula Rozum. Democrat Dan Maffei declined the invitation, citing concerns with the format utilized.He chose not to participate after repeated discussions with his Campaign and YNN.

The professional moderators assured Mr. Maffei they would not allow any candidate to dominate the discussion and had hoped he would reconsider his decision. However, Mr. Maffei’s  podium stood empty for the entire debate.