ALBANY — From Lincoln-Douglas to Kennedy-Nixon, the annals of American political history are studded with historic debates that blended intellect, policy acumen and stagecraft. But in three of the most closely watched congressional races across the greater Capital Region, Hudson Valley and North Country, half of the candidates appear satisfied to let the combat play out in news releases and social media, as opposed to facing off live on stage.
There are no debates scheduled in the closely watched 21st District race between Republican Anthony Constantino and Democrat Blake Gendebien, or in the 19th District contest between incumbent Democrat Josh Riley and Republican state Sen. Peter Oberacker. In the 20th District, where longtime U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko is facing a challenge from Republican Ralph Ambrosio, a single debate will be held at 7 p.m. Oct. 15.
That debate has been organized by a consortium of local media outlets — the Times Union, WMHT Public Media, WAMC Northeast Public Radio and WNYT Newschannel 13 — that also attempted to organize debates in the two other districts, to no avail. The four news organizations have partnered on previous debates, as well as hosting their own in past years…