2008 PRESIDENTIAL RACE

GOP no-shows prompt cancellation of debate

Univisión's Republican presidential debate has been called off after only one contender agreed to participate, though the network hopes to reschedule. The debate for Democrats is still on for Sept. 9.

BY BETH REINHARD

breinhard@MiamiHerald.com

Univisión planned to air the first presidential debates in Spanish on Sept. 9 and 16, one for Democrats, the other for Republicans, trumpeting a national coming-out party for Hispanic voters.

Except Republican candidates aren't coming. Only Ariz. Sen. John McCain agreed to participate in the event at the University of Miami.

So much for Sept. 16.

''That date is off the table,'' university spokeswoman Bárbara Gutiérrez said Wednesday.

She said a GOP debate hasn't been ruled out for later in the fall.

''We're thinking that everyone wants to see how the Democratic one goes before they commit,'' she said.

All eight Democratic candidates are slated to show up Sept. 9, and party leaders plan to highlight the contrast. The New Democratic Network, a nationwide political group, is planning news conferences and inviting Hispanic leaders, including Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey, former Cabinet member Henry Cisneros and U.S. Rep. Luís Gutiérrez of Illinois.

Most of the Republican field also ignored invitations to attend Hispanic-oriented conferences in Florida organized by the National Association of Latin Elected Officials and the National Council of La Raza.

That doesn't mean they're not courting Hispanic votes. Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani campaigned in Hialeah in June and July.

On Wednesday, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney announced endorsements from Hispanic leaders around the country.

''This is all part of a continuous effort to reach out to the Hispanic community,'' said Romney spokesman Alex Burgos. ``We had a conflict with the debate, but we continue to be in contact with them about potential opportunities in the future.''

Most tickets for the Sept. 9 forum are going to university students and faculty, and elected officials. The local party is raffling off tickets at http://www.miamidadedemocrats.com/.