They have been doing it in Florida since 2005. Democrats will not debate outside candidates even when they are elected state senators running in a gubnatorial primary.

Congressman Jim Davis would not debate. They would not allow Max Linn to debate and fudged his poles to keep him out. We proved it in court and walked into the debate 10 minutes to air time with Chris Matthews freaking out! (And Jeb Bush!)

Then Charlie Crist walked over and said he did not want to debate now that Max was allowed in.

Debbie Wasserman Schultz refused to debate Tim Canova in their race.

For 30 years congressman Bill Young refused to debate in FL

In Tampa Bay a cable company handles the debates so not everyone can watch it unless they have that cable service.

When WEDU wanted to do it with them in 2009 for the St. mayoral race so they could air it to the public, offering to bring all their equipment across the bay for the cable company.... They said no!

This has been going on for decades. No debates. Or it's a set up debate fishing for a got ya moment to destroy the candidate, no matter what was discussed in the debate.