Tom Collins Denies Dropping Fox Debate

NV Dem Party Chair Tom Collins this afternoon denied dropping the Fox News Debate, even though Bill Richardson announced this afternoon that he would not participate in the debate after initially saying he would.

Tom Collins to the AP's Kathleen Hennessey:

Discussions continued Friday afternoon, even as MoveOn.org and other Web sites declared the debate dead. Collins said the reports were untrue.

"No, we're not canceling, I am not canceling. We're not dropping Fox," he told The Associated Press.

Fox News spokeswoman Irena Briganti said Friday Fox had not received word from the party about the debate.

Thank goodness, the state party will get to elect a new chair by the end of the month.

UPDATE:

This is the text of the letter to Fox News:

March 9, 2007
Marty Ryan
Executive Producer
Fox News Political Programs
202-824-6425 (fax)
400 N Capitol Street NW, Suite 550
Washington DC 20001
DELIVERED VIA FAX AND EMAIL

Dear Marty,

A month ago, the Nevada Democratic Party entered into a good faith
agreement with FOX News to co-sponsor a presidential debate in
August.

This was done because the Nevada Democratic Party is reaching out to
new voters and we strongly believe that a Democrat will not win
Nevada unless we find new ways to talk to new people.

To say the least, this was not a popular decision. But it is one
that the Democratic Party stood by. However, comments made last
night by FOX News President Roger Ailes in reference to one of our
presidential candidates went too far. We cannot, as good Democrats,
put our party in a position to defend such comments.

In light of his comments, we have concluded that it is not possible
to hold a Presidential debate that will focus on our candidates and
are therefore canceling our August debate. We take no pleasure in
this, but it is the only course of action.

Sincerely

Tom Collins Harry Reid

Chairman, Nevada State Democratic Party U.S. Senator (D-NV)