Debate for New York City mayor begins minus front-runner

NEW YORK -- The latest New York City mayoral debate was missing one thing - the race's front-runner.

Democratic nominee Bill de Blasio didn't show up to Wednesday's debate. A recent poll says the current public advocate has a 50 point lead over his Republican rival, ex-Metropolitan Transit Authority boss Joe Lhota.

Lhota acknowledge the gap but said in future debates New Yorkers can compare his vision for the city to de Blasio's. De Blasio will appear in three debates beginning next Tuesday.

Lhota shared the stage Wednesday with Independence Party candidate Adolfo Carrion (kehr-ee-OHN'), an ex-Bronx borough president.

The 60-minute debate touched on a range of issues from affordable housing to charter schools.

De Blasio was invoked throughout, often by the debate's moderators.

The election is Nov. 5.

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