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Debate Between Candidates For Montco DA Turns Into 1 Man Show After Candidate Cancels

HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS) -- What was billed as "the only debate between the candidates for Montgomery County District Attorney" ended up being a one-sided affair, with one candidate unable to attend.

Republican candidate Bruce Castor had to miss the debate due to a family medical issue. His opponent, democrat Kevin Steele, opened by saying his thoughts are with Castor:

"God, country, and family come first, and I hope everything is okay with that."

The discussion was dominated by the Bill Cosby investigation. Steele saying, among other things, he disagrees with Castor's claims he helped the alleged victim "get a paycheck."

"Not appropriate, not doing justice in a case. It's not what a prosecutor should be involved with."

Steele was asked about the Bob Kearns investigation the current DA's office mishandled. Steele answered they embraced the mistake, apologized, worked with the victim, and made changes to the office so it wouldn't happen again.

 

As CBS 3's Walt Hunter reports, for patrons of the West Main Diner in Lansdale, there was a sudden change in the political menu at noontime.

An empty chair where GOP candidate Bruce Castor was to sit due to "family medical issues."

It meant, instead of the only scheduled "face to face" debate in the Montgomery County DA's race, it would be a solo appearance by Democratic candidate Kevin Steele.

"When you make a mistake, you apologize," stated Steele, renewing his criticism of former DA Castor for his 2005 decision not to prosecute Bill Cosby after a woman came forward claiming she was sexually assaulted - and for Castor's failure to properly explain his decision.

"It's just more of this web of deceit and concealment of what he did back in 2005," Steele said.

Castor was not available for comment, but in recent campaign ads, he has claimed additional alleged victims hadn't come forward and that, once they did, Steele should have taken action against Cosby who has never been charged with any crimes.

Castor in one ad stating, "These women's identities only became available after I left the DA's office and lost the power to enforce the law. Kevin Steele had the power to help victims of Cosby but he sat on his hands."

CBS 3 first reported Friday that sources confirm a criminal investigation into allegations first made in 2005 is now underway. However, long before any decisions are made on filing charges, it's clear the handling of the Cosby investigation is the top issue in this increasingly bitter campaign.

CBS 3's Walt Hunter contributed to this report. 

 

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