Feinstein conspicuously absent from debate

Campbell and Benjamin, scheduled for a second debate in Los Angeles on Thursday, both criticized Feinstein during and after the debate for what they called her invisible campaign.

"The fact that Dianne Feinstein refuses to participate because she is ahead in the polls is an indication of just what is so wrong with the American political system, that she wouldn't feel obligated to speak to the ethnic media," Benjamin said.

Feinstein declined an invitation to attend.

"We committed early on to do two debates held next week, and her schedule prevented her from attending any other debates," Kam Kuwata, Feinstein's campaign manager, said Wednesday.

Kuwata, who said Feinstein chose to appear in televised debates to reach a larger audience, added that physical therapy appointments for a broken leg has hampered the senator's campaign opportunities.

Panelists at the polite and often humorous debate -- sponsored by New California Media, a group of more than 400 ethnic news organizations -- asked Campbell and Benjamin about topics ranging from immigration policies to affirmative action to U.S. dealings with Colombia.

Both said the U.S. government's war on drugs has failed and that addicts should receive rehabilitation, that racial profiling should end and that campaign finance reform is necessary.

If elected senator, Campbell pledged to work toward guaranteeing DNA testing to death row inmates and making aid to African countries a greater foreign affairs priority. Benjamin said she would fight to halt prison construction, abolish the death penalty and set higher standards for automobile fuel efficiency.

Next week's debates, which will air Oct. 24 and 27, will be the first time Campbell and Feinstein have met during the campaign. Benjamin was not invited to participate.

Campbell said he believes Feinstein's absence at debates such as Wednesday's will catch up to her at election time, despite her continuous lead in the polls. The most recent numbers from the Field Institute give Feinstein a 20-point lead over Campbell.<