Both the Times and the Daily News do stories today on Mayor Jim Hahn's decision to skip a Dec. 2 debate that Channel 4 plans to air. His campaign spokeswoman, Julie Wong, cited a schedule conflict, but wouldn't specify what it is. The League of Women Voters had postponed the debate from October at Hahn's request, so the organizers sound a tad miffed. The four top challengers do plan to attend, and Bob Hertzberg has been using his website to criticize Hahn for not coming. Wong says that Hahn will join in a Dec. 21 debate put on by the League of Conservation Voters, and other events closer to the March 8 primary election.

* Drum beat: The Daily News follows up Saturday with another story, essentially repeating that Hahn's opponents are upset. But also, political consultant Arnold Steinberg argues that of course the mayor—any mayor—should pass on debates scheduled so many months in advance of the election.