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September 26, 2006
Round One: The Mihos Factor
Christy Mihos, the independent running for governor, did his thing in the first gubernatorial debate. And that was to bludgeon Lt. Gov. Kerry Healey, the Republican candidate. MIhos was mildly effective, especially on The Big Dig, but it was no knockout punch.
Did you happen to see Deval Patrick's grin while Mihos was teeing off on Healey? The front-running Democrat was enjoying the show, sitting back and watching Mihos divert everyone's attention from taxes, immigration, and public safety to what Healey couldn't do as lt. governor while Big Dig finances were skyrocketing out of control.
Healey actually won the first 35 minutes of the debate. She contrasted her stance on the issues with Patrick's wide-open positions. Her best repartee was on illegal immigration, where Patrick responded like the second coming of John Kerry. "I guess both sides have good ideas" on the issue, said Patrick. The only thing is he can't make up his mind. Is this what a governor should be? I don't think so. Healey opposes in-state tuition to illegal immigrants, making it clear that the sons and daughters of Massachusetts citizens could use the tuition breaks first. Patrick would also issue driver's licenses to illegal immigrants, while Healey is opposed to the idea.
When Healey stays on message, she can damage Patrick's articulate, soulful and lack of substance responses on most all the key pocketbook issues concerning middle-class families. But with Mihos, the 800-pound gorilla in the room, Healey has a big problem that Patrick doesn't have to contend with. She better learn how to deal with Mihos, or Patrick's going to just sit back and coast to the corner office.
By the way, Mihos has a better tan than George Hamilton. How does he do it? And what's with Grace Ross's two difference ear rings? Is this a fashion statement, a Green Party initiation rite, or did she lose the set?
So who do you think won the first debate? I say Mihos won the screaming match, Patrick didn't lose any ground, Ross picked up a few sympathy votes, and Healey squandered a good chance at a victory by ignoring Mihos' attacks.
Posted by at September 26, 2006 5:49 PM
Comments
Mihos was most noticed, but a bit over-the-top with his criticisms.
Ross made sense in most of her discussions, but is obviously not seriously in the race.
Healey tried her best to separate out Patrick, but was thwarter by Mihos.
Patrick set back and play the good guy most of the time, but did get in a few good counter-attacks.
Bottom line, Patrick was the winner, not that he necessarily won the debate, but that no one gained on his front runner status - an opportunity lost.
As for Healey, her positions may be aimed only at dividing the electorate, not her true beliefs:
``We no longer can simply be dumping offenders back into society and hoping for the best," Healey said at the time. ``We need to take an active interest in making sure that the 20,000 men and women who are leaving our jails and prisons each year have jobs and have housing." She went on: ``One of the concerns around that is the impact of CORI on offenders' ability to get housing and employment -- the key legs of the stool, if you will, to post-release success."
K. Healey, May 2005
Posted by: JP at September 27, 2006 12:09 PM
Mr. JP, good analysis, but the quote you use stating Kerry Healey's position is fron a Globe interview in June 2005. Her position has evolved and now it is perfectly clear. She is for enhanced CORI checks. Don't be mislead by the Globe's agenda. Why didn' they call Healey before they wrote the editorial to find out her true position?
Posted by: jim campanini at September 27, 2006 6:58 PM
You give her the benefit of the doubt with "evolve", yet question the Globe's "agenda"!
I suspect any "evolve" was more likely giving up her principles for political reasons. Isn't it amazing how two people can interpret motives so differently?
Posted by: JP at September 27, 2006 11:26 PM
