WASHINGTON (AP) – Democratic presidential front-runner Hillary Clinton on Monday declined an invitation from Fox News to participate in a debate with rival Bernie Sanders in California before that state’s June 7 primary.
Clinton and Sanders are competing aggressively in California as primaries wrap up.
But Clinton is close to getting the delegates she needs to seal the nomination. Sanders says he has a chance to pass her in pledged delegates, though he admits he faces tough odds. Then he would have to persuade many superdelegates to switch their support to him.
Campaign spokeswoman Jennifer Palmieri said Clinton will compete hard in the remaining primary states, particularly California, while also turning her attention to presumptive GOP nominee Donald Trump. She said Clinton’s time is best spent meeting voters and campaigning.
Bill Sammon, Fox News vice president and Washington managing editor, said the decision was unfortunate.
“Naturally, Fox News is disappointed that Secretary Clinton has declined our debate invitation,” he said, “especially given that the race is still contested and she had previously agreed to a final debate before the California primary.”