The Hiller Instinct: Governor Debate Winner

Instead, there were a series of what could have been scripted speeches by the candidates, since, by now, issues like the Big Dig and state pensions are losing their freshness.

Even the segment where the candidates questioned one another seemed stale, as charges and assertions were side-stepped and deflected.

The only news of the night came from Governor Patrick, talking about the topic voters care about most:  jobs!

"We moved from third to first in the nation in the rate of job creation since august and I'm very proud of that- and that has not happened by accident.  We made choices to invest in job creation," Governor Patrick said.  "I believe government should be about helping people. And I think the other candidates don't feel that way."

But even a dull debate can have a sharp winner.

And the winner tonight was Governor Patrick, who was always smooth, never flustered.  And never defensive.

Plus he talked about people.

The big loser was Charlie Baker.  Sorry, Charlie, but you were too much policy and too little personality. If you connected, I missed it.

Six weeks from today, Massachusetts votes for governor.

If what we saw tonight is what we'll see from now until Election Day, then I think Deval Patrick will be re-elected.

I'm Andy Hiller, that's my instinct.

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