Republican congressional candidate Tom Rooney stands next to an empty lectern during what was to have been the debate with Rep. Tim Mahoney, D-Fla., Friday, Oct. 24, 2008 in Palm Beach, Fla. Mahoney refused to join in the debate after the media was allowed to cover the event with cameras. Mahoney had committed to the debate before news broke last week of his adulterous affairs and potential legal and ethics violations that are being investigated by the FBI and a House panel. Mahoney's campaign said Friday they feared a distracting, circus-like atmosphere if national television media were allowed to attend the debate. (AP Photo/J. Pat Carter)