Ryan: Why won't Gillibrand agree to more debates?

Rob Ryan, a top campaign staffer for Republican U.S. Senate candidate Wendy Long, a lawyer from New York City, wrote U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand's campaign manager, Glen Caplin, today to ask why the Democratic incumbent won't agree to more debates before the Nov. 6 election.

Some of you might remember Ryan: He was one of Doug Hoffman's top staffers in the 2010 race for New York's 23rd Congressional District. He has a colorful personality, and that comes through in this letter (I particularly like the "50 Shades of Grey" reference; nice touch, Rob). But the main question is a good one: Why won't Gillibrand agree to more debates?

The candidates squared off in Saratoga Springs last week. You can read about that debate here.

Ryan's letter to Caplin is posted below.

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Dear Glen,

Wednesday night was a proud and historic night for New Yorkers. It was the first time in our state's long history that two women shared the stage seeking the office of the United States Senate.

By all accounts, it was a lively, informative, and constructive debate that showcased the stark differences between Wendy Long and Senator Gillibrand.

New Yorkers saw sharp differences on every issue from Libya and hydrofracking, to second amendment rights and protecting our religious institutions from government interference. The voters could not have a clearer choice between Wendy Long's commitment to reducing taxes and cutting spending, and Senator Gillibrand's free spending, tax everything orthodoxy that earned her the National Journal's moniker of most liberal member of the United States Senate.

And while it was an historic night for women, it also showed how much Senator Gillibrand has become one of the 'good ole boys,' standing with Speaker Silver against victims of sexual harassment and assault in the workplace. Senator Gillibrand's message to women was simple: If you want to get ahead in politics sit back, keep your mouth shut and take the groping, the innuendo and the unwanted sexual advances of powerful men.

Simply put, there are not "50 Shades of Grey" when it comes to the core beliefs held by Wendy Long and Senator Gillibrand - they are as different as black and white.

But most important of all, viewers saw why you and Senator Gillibrand's other handlers have stubbornly refused to allow her to participate in any additional debates, and engage in a meaningful dialogue on the issues, Senator Gillibrand has zero record on jobs and the economy. It's clear when you look at her record, not one single jobs bill she sponsored has passed Senate. It's even clearer after listening to her Wednesday night, her attempts to double talk her way around hydrofracking, taxes and bogus Made in America bills.

The issues facing our state and our nation are daunting, and there is much work to be done in Washington. In less than three weeks the people will cast their ballots. They deserve to see more debates between Wendy Long and Senator Gillibrand.

Westchester and Long Island voters deserve to hear Senator Gillibrand's plans to help reduce high property taxes, residents of the Southern tier deserve to fully understand her position on hydrofracking, and Western New Yorkers are wondering if she has real plans to get our economy going.

Glen, let's get Senator Gillibrand "off the sidelines" and into the campaign. While we are it, let's make it is historic - let's go to the birthplace of Women's Rights, Seneca Falls, New York and debate the issues and the true nature of women's rights in society.

I look forward to your immediate response, and Wendy Long looks forward to the next debate(s) with Senator Gillibrand in the days and weeks ahead.

Warmest Regards,

Rob Ryan