I felt Grace Ross, did quite well, considering she is the candidate of whats thought as, a leftist fringe party. She seemed well aware of her inability to win the race but raised points that would have been lost in all the hyperbole of big money, big party candidates.
Christy Mihlos remains an enigma. Here is a former Republican Party member who in the previous election cycle was allied with the Romney/Healy ticket. It seems his sole reason for running may be just to spite his erstwhile friends. That being said, I thought he showed a great amount of vigor and passion for his centrist/rightist ideas. He brought up very good points, (on taxes, on the big-dig) but had trouble articulating them in the most eloquent fashion
Lieutenant Governor Karen Healy surprised me. Previously I didnt think badly of her or her positions. Maybe its the consults and professional pols, who are telling her to paint Mr. Patrick as Liberal and weak, and maybe its her staff thats telling her to attack him and the State Legislature but I dont think its going to work. Not if shes getting fired on from the left and right from Ross and Mihlos. It gives Patrick the opportunity to paint himself as more moderate and rationale then any of his adversaries and Lieutenant Governor Healy needs to look as rational and fiscally sound as possible if she expects to win.
Deval Patrick, the Democratic party candidate is well known for his oratorical ability, but I thought at several times he stumbled, which is more then he has out on the stump or in the convention hall. I also would have liked to see him elaborate more on his ideas and positions, other then tax rollback. Still he does provide leadership, and has a wide degree of experience with non-profits and corporations, which is no less then any of his competitors.
All in all this race will tighten up, and hopefully in the next debate well see more refined candidates up on stage.
