About Last Night, And On Tap Tonight

The gubernatorial foursome went at it one last time last night, in a debate that was about as heated as they've been, but probably didn't change very many minds.

Deval Patrick stayed his mostly unruffled self, but was clearly seriously pissed off once or twice with Kerry Healey. Healey needed some kind of huge win last night, but didn't really get it. Grace Ross went from lovable outcast to annoying, and Christy Mihos played his usual court jester role.

These guys have gone at it five times since the primary, and last night proved it's too much. Modern day politics is too reliant on sound bites, staying on message, and on-the-surface ideas. It doesn't allow for five compelling debates, particularly in this race. Did you hear anything last night you haven't heard before? By the way, everyone demands an opponent explain how they're going to pay for stuff, knowing the answer is too complex and long to fully answer in 60 seconds. And 20 seconds for rebuttal? Really, is that even worth it?

If this race was close, last night would have been a crucial hour in the campaign. Instead it was a tired rehash, and didn't help anyone. It only hurt the three chasing Patrick.

In odd contrast, local House candidates Steve DiNatale and Ed Niemczura meet for their first and only time tonight (at least one-on-one). Niemczura needed five debates to improve his profile. He gets one. It's on FATV (Channel 8) tonight at 7.

On "Politically Speaking" a few weeks ago, we talked about Niemczura's rather limp campaign. He should have followed Clair Freda's example in Leominster. She went after incumbent Jen Flanagan early and often, and at least got her race in the news occassionally. Niemczura's most recent press is something he'd rather not discuss tonight.

So, what to expect tonight? Niemczura is facing 3rd and very, very long. He'll have to throw deep and hope for the best. Unfortunately, there's not much he can do to knock DiNatale off his message. This should be a flat one.