Paladino and Cuomo Will Debate, Alongside Spitzer's 'Manhattan Madam'

Kristin Davis announced her candidacy for governor at a Midtown Manhattan hotel Monday morning. March 1, 2010

DNAinfo/Heather Grossmann

By Jill Colvin

DNAinfo Reporter/Producer

MANHATTAN — Carl Paladino and Andrew Cuomo have set a date to debate, but the warring gubernatorial candidates may be upstaged by the "Manhattan Madam."

The Democratic and Republican gubernatorial candidates will be joined at Hofstra University on Long Island at 7 p.m. on Oct. 18 by five minor party candidates, including "Manhattan Madam" Kristin Davis — the infamous organizer of former Governor Eliot Spitzer's escorts.

Also in the ring will be Freedom Party candidate Charles Barron, Green Party-er Howie Hawkins, the Libertarian Party's Warren Redlich, and Jimmy McMillan of the Rent is Too Damn High Party.

Paladino agreed to the debate after broadcasting a three-minute TV spot bashing the media that aired upstate Wednesday.

"It's on, Andrew, and you better be ready to answer your record," Paladino campaign manager Michael Caputo said in the a statement making the announcement.

The event will be broadcast on News 12 in New York City, Long Island and Westchester and streamed live at www.news12.com and www.newsday.com.

Republican candidate Carl Paladino jokes with supporters outside at the Altamont Fair in Altamont, N.Y., on Aug. 20, 201...

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AP Photo/Tim Roske