Democrats drop plans for N.C. debate

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The North Carolina Democratic Party on Monday dropped plans to host a presidential debate this weekend, citing time constraints and logistical issues.

Barack Obama had declined to commit to the event, tentatively scheduled for Sunday, saying he wasn’t sure it would fit into his schedule. The Illinois senator previously had agreed to debate in North Carolina on Saturday.

Hillary Rodham Clinton had agreed to the later date, and the state’s Democratic leaders had urged Obama to join her.

The forum would have been the first moderated by CBS News anchor Katie Couric.

Obama and Clinton have debated 21 times during the campaign, including last Wednesday night in Philadelphia.