The Hiller Instinct: Final Governor Debate Recap

Governor Patrick is proud of the decisions his administration has made, and wants to stay the course, while Charlie Baker thinks Beacon Hill needs big changes right now, if not sooner. 

It couldn't be much clearer.

Winner: Baker

I'm calling Charlie Baker the winner because this was his strongest debate performance, though he certainly took heat on the Big Dig. Baker was much more tonight than just an angry Republican, he was gubernatorial.

Loser: Patrick

If Baker wins, then political reality says Deval Patrick loses, even though the governor didn't make any mistakes.  To me, Patrick seemed more cautious, and less urgent than usual.

I don't think the governor lost any votes, but I do think Charlie Baker may have won some.

If I'm right, then a race that's too close to call just got closer.

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

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