Queens civic leaders blasted Democratic congressional candidate David Weprin for blowing off a scheduled debate last night ahead of the Sept. 13 special election to replace disgraced ex-Rep. Anthony Weiner.
Weprin — citing Hurricane Irene — declined the Middle Village debate invitation from the Juniper Civic Association and the Times Newsweekly.
“The hurricane caused major logistical and scheduling problems for the campaign, and thus David is not able to make the debate this evening,” said Weprin spokeswoman Liz Kerr.
GOP candidate Bob Turner, who actually evacuated his Broad Channel home in the flood zone, agreed to participate. His campaign spokesman called Weprin’s last-minute cancellation “rude.”
Debate sponsors suspected Weprin might bow out when a campaign staffer last week requested that the event be a forum rather than a debate.
“It’s a slap in the face to the residents of this area,” Juniper President Bob Holden said.
Maureen Walthers, publisher of the Queens weekly, called Weprin a “coward” and a “worm” for being a no-show. “I hope Weprin doesn’t win,” she said. “Shame on him.”
