Rob Ford has changed his mind and is refusing to do a one-on-one debate with George Smitherman – for now.
Doug Ford, the candidate's brother and campaign manager, said on the radio Tuesday that the candidate won't take part in a two-man debate before Sept. 10, the last day candidates can register to join the race.
“We’ll do it, but we’re going to do it on our time, not George Smitherman’s time,” Doug Ford said, calling the idea a “Hail Mary pass” for Mr. Smitherman.
Mr. Smitherman proposed the face-off last week while speaking on the air on Newstalk 1010.
Mr. Ford accepted the challenge in theory, though he said he was uncomfortable with excluding the other major candidates, Joe Pantalone, Rocco Rossi and Sarah Thomson. “I’ll show up anywhere,” Mr. Ford said after a speech Friday. “I’ll go in his [Mr. Smitherman’s] backyard, but you have to understand my position. As a mayor, I want to encompass everybody.”
Toronto's mayoral contenders have already taken part in three televised debates and dozens of community forums. Mr. Smitherman later accused his opponent of chickening out.
"It's getting closer to the election and it's disappointing that he has to send out his big brother," Mr. Smitherman said.
