Queens civic leaders blasted Democratic congressional candidate David Weprin for blowing off a scheduled debate tonight before the Sept. 13 special election to replace disgraced ex-Rep. Anthony Weiner.
Weprin – citing Hurricane Irene — declined the Middle Village debate invitation from the Juniper Civic Association and the Times Newsweekly.
“The hurricane caused major logistical and scheduling problems for the campaign and thus David is not able to make the debate this evening,“ said Weprin spokeswoman Liz Kerr.
Republican candidate Bob Turner, who actually evacuated his Broad Channel home in the flood zone, agreed to participate. A campaign spokesman called Weprin’s last minute cancellation “rude.”
Angry debate sponsors unleashed a storm of criticism at Weprin — dismissing his Irene excuse as all wet.
“This is a kick in the head. It’s a slap in the face to the residents of this area. It shows the character of David Weprin,” Juniper president Bob Holden said of the snub.
Maureen Walthers, publisher of the Queens weekly, called Weprin a “coward” and a “worm” for being a no-show.
“What his he afraid of?” she asked. “Stand up and answer the questions!”
“I hope Weprin doesn’t win,” she said. “Shame on him. He’s making Weiner look good.”