ALBANY, NY (06/12/2008; 1513)(readMedia)-- Mondello Statement:
New Yorkers today welcome John McCain to a New York town hall meeting in historic Federal Hall, where he will once again demonstrate his openness, accountability and commitment to an open airing of ideas of how to best address the challenges facing America.

Although Senator Obama has found time to come to New York to raise millions of campaign dollars, he has regrettably declined to participate in this open, responsive town hall meeting with the public.

New Yorkers and Americans deserve an open and civil discussion among the two candidates about their proposed solutions to make people’s lives better. Unfortunately, it appears that Senator Obama is more comfortable delivering rehearsed speeches behind a podium.

It is particularly disturbing that Barack Obama has said that he would meet unconditionally with terrorists and tyrants, yet he refuses to meet face-to-face with the people of New York and his opponent.

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