re: Cassidy staying out of the debate tonight on the largest TV channel in the state

I think Cassidy's handlers don't want to see him get flustered and pounded again like he did in the last debate. They think that as long as he keeps his cool and just doesn't make any waves that he'll coast into the runoff against Mary and will get enough of the anti-Mary vote to get elected. I'm not sure that they're wrong, but I don't think it's a good move as it makes Cassidy look like a coward. His ads already make him look stiff, unapproachable, creepy, and as though he's the republican version of John Kerry minus the Swiftboat.