Race of the day: Can Gov. Deval Patrick keep his job?
In left-leaning Massachusetts, Gov. Deval Patrick is trying to eke out a win over Republican rival Charlie Baker
Name & Party:
DEMOCRAT
Deval Patrick
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REPUBLICAN
Charlie Baker
Basic Info:
One-term incumbent
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Age: 54
Former health-care CEO
Age: 53
Issues:
- Helped implement state's health-reform law
- Favors building three in-state casinos
- Anti death penalty
- Wants to eliminate some health-reform mandates
- Favors building one in-state casino
- Pro death penalty
Polling At:45%39%Campaign Chest:$1.7 million$1.3 millionKey Quote:"We can talk about slogans and gimmicks but they don't actually solve problems.""You've proposed a tax increase every year you've been governor."Petty Controversy:Hired neighbor to $120,000-a-year post in the midst of state budget crisisPoached running mate of third-party candidate to work for his campaignWild card:Although Massachusetts is traditionally Democratic, it elected four straight Republican governors before Patrick.
Dueling Ads:"Forward": Patrick says he balanced the budget, protected health care, and kept Mass.'s schools #1 in the nation — but that Baker would have different priorities"What Happened": This Baker spot argues that Patrick's four years in office have been a string of scandals, blunders, and broken promises
Deval Patrick's "Forward":
Charlie Baker's "What Happened":
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