Race of the day: Can Gov. Deval Patrick keep his job?

Name & Party:

DEMOCRAT

Deval Patrick

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REPUBLICAN

Charlie Baker

Basic Info:

One-term incumbent

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":