Castor, Citing Family Emergency, Pulls Out Of Montco DA Debate: Report

A planned debate between candidates in the Montgomery County district attorney’s race has been cancelled after former DA Bruce Castor pulled out due to a family medical emergency, according to reports.

The topic of Bill Cosby was expected to be front and center at the radio debate in Lansdale’s West Main Line Diner, broadcast live on WNPV 1440, NBC Philadelphia reports.

The Republican Castor, who previously served as DA from 2000 to 2008, has engaged in a heated campaign with Democrat and current First District Attorney, Kevin Steele.

The topic of litigation against Cosby has recently taken a front seat as the campaign enters its stretch run.

Steele recently alleged in a campaign ad that Castor wasn’t tough enough on sexual predators because he didn’t prosecute Cosby when he was DA in 2005.

Andrea Constand, the former Temple student who Cosby allegedly assaulted in his Montgomery County home, then filed a lawsuit against Castor for defamation in relation to not prosecuting Cosby.

Castor fired back that Steele was “desperate” and that he could’ve prosecuted Cosby at any time in the last several years as more evidence against Cosby came to light.

There were rumors in late September that Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman was seeking to press charges against Cosby. Cosby, in turn, sought a criminal defense lawyer. Ferman has not confirmed these rumors.

Authorities only have until January 2016 to file charges against Cosby, due to the 12-year statute of limitations for felony sexual assault in the Keystone State.

The radio show will continue without Castor, as Steele will be interview by hosts, according to reports.