GOP leaders beg off black-sponsored debate

WASHINGTON, Sept. 15 (UPI) -- U.S. Republican presidential hopefuls are citing scheduling conflicts for declining an invitation to a debate at an African-American college.

Rudy Giuliani, John McCain and Mitt Romney have sent their regrets to the organizers of a Sept. 27 debate at Morgan State University in Maryland.

The New York Daily News said Saturday the decision by so many of the top GOP contenders has irked debate organizers, who see it as a snub of the black vote.

A spokeswoman for the Giuliani campaign told the News the accelerated campaign schedule this year has made it difficult for candidates to attend every debate to which they are invited.