Sanders ‘disappointed' Clinton won't debate him ahead of California primary

WASHINGTON (KTVU & wires) - Today is the final day to register to vote in California’s June 7th presidential primary if you haven’t already done so, but first, Bernie Sanders’ campaign issued a statement on a recent decision by Hillary Clinton.

The statement was issued after his political opponent allegedly “reneged” on what they call her commitment to take part in a debate on Fox News against Sanders in California sometime in May ahead of the primary.  Clinton has now declined the invite to the debate.

The Sanders’ campaign statement in full reads:

“I am disappointed but not surprised by Secretary Clinton’s unwillingness to debate before the largest and most important primary in the presidential nominating process.

“The state of California and the United States face some enormous crises. Democracy, and respect for the voters of California, would suggest that there should be a vigorous debate in which the voters may determine whose ideas they support. I hope Secretary Clinton reconsiders her unfortunate decision to back away from her commitment to debate.

I also would suggest that Secretary Clinton may want to be not quite so presumptuous about thinking that she is a certain winner. In the last several weeks, the people of Indiana, West Virginia and Oregon have suggested otherwise."

Clinton and Sanders are competing aggressively in California as primaries wrap up.

But Clinton is close to getting the delegates she needs to seal the nomination. Sanders says he has a chance to pass her in pledged delegates, though he admits he faces tough odds. Then he would have to persuade many superdelegates to switch their support to him.

Clinton’s camp on Monday reiterated their focus on the “threat” of presumptive Republican nominee, Donald Trump, and had issued a statement of their own on Monday, saying her time would be best spent campaigning in California.

Bill Sammon, Fox News vice president and Washington managing editor, said the decision was unfortunate.

"Naturally, Fox News is disappointed that Secretary Clinton has declined our debate invitation," he said, "especially given that the race is still contested and she had previously agreed to a final debate before the California primary."

California voters have until midnight on Monday to register to vote in California’s primary, state elections officials said.

Californians who wish to vote in the Republican primary must be registered Republican by today. Voters who wish to vote in the Democratic primary must either be registered Democrats or with no party preference.
   
People without a registered party preference who want to vote by mail in the Democratic primary need to alert their county elections office no later than May 31.

Mailed registration forms are also due today and voters will still be eligible as long as the forms are postmarked today.

Voter registration is available online at RegisterToVote.ca.gov.