It's Game Time

As you may have read this week, tonight's the night of the Worcester 3rd House debate for the three Democratic candidates, 12 days before the primary election.

The details: Save Fitchburg, "Politically Speaking," FATV and WEIM are hosting the hoe-down. Game time is 7 p.m. The 90-minute forum can be seen live on FATV Channel 8, and heard on WEIM. Wheeeeee.

Now, here's what we'd tell each candidate if we were in their corner tonight.

Steve DiNatale: Wear the mantle of frontrunner, ignore the other two as much as possible, and act firmly, firmly, in control. Many folks consider DiNatale a done deal, and he should try to reinforce that. Have a command of the facts, say "I'm going to do" a lot, and generally give the impression this is a done deal. Embrace the view from the front and try to make that general idea a reality.

David LeBlanc: Play the role of scrappy, energetic underdog. Clamp onto DiNatale early and don't let go. Show a knowledge of the facts, but also portray yourself as the guy with the energy and optimism to help the city turn around. In effect, be the Deval Patrick of the race: not the establishment, but the bold, high-octane choice.

Mary Whitney: Rely on the resume and a lifetime in public office. Buff up that love for the city and desire to make it a better place. Whitney probably has more public experience than the other two combined. Point to successes, talk about nurturing the future. Come off a bit, say, grandmotherly. Wise, knowledgable, and ready for one more last go-around for the city she loves like no one else.

Will any of the above happen? Who knows. But it should be interesting tonight to hear what they all have to say. See you at 7.