Heart vs. mind
FOR A WHILE now, it has been heart versus mind, hope versus results, Deval Patrick versus Chris Gabrieli.
Why -- just as ``mind" was starting to win -- did Gabrieli have to pull a Dick Cheney on me?
This week, Gabrieli labeled Patrick ``out of the mainstream" and called Patrick backers ``a small group of rabid supporters." That has an unpleasant, right-wing Republican sound to it. As Attorney General Tom Reilly would say, ``I'm very disappointed in you, Chris."
Two recent polls show Patrick breaking way out ahead of Gabrieli, with Reilly trailing in third place. For any chance at victory on Sept. 19, Gabrieli needs to close the gap fast.
To do that, he is choosing to go for the conservative Democratic vote versus the votes of liberal-leaning independents, still torn between a heart-versus-mind argument. The strategy has its risks. Unfortunately, given the short time frame between now and primary day, it may be all that's left for Gab rieli.
In reality, Gabrieli and Patrick have a lot in common. For example, both are pro-choice, in favor of gay marriage, and support Cape Wind. However, to draw a sharper distinction with his opponent, Gabrieli is trying to separate himself from Patrick on taxes and immigration, the hot buttons Republicans love to push.
Patrick says the state cannot afford an immediate income tax rollback. Gabrieli supports a phased income tax rollback tied to revenue benchmarks. In essence, that is a less candid way of saying the state cannot afford the immediate rollback endorsed by Reilly and Republican Kerry Healey.
Patrick and Reilly would allow children of illegal immigrants to qualify for the resident tuition rate at state colleges. Gabrieli opposes in-state tuition rate for illegal immigrants, a stance that is unpopular with liberals, but, sadly, helpful in the general election. Gabrieli supports charter schools and lifting the cap on them. Patrick's website proclaims ``charter schools as part of the solution," but says the ``emphasis must lie in assuring that conditions exist for innovation and consistent success in our district schools."
But the true differences between them are less about issues and more about personal style and professional resume. Conventional wisdom gives Patrick the edge in this department, but there's another side to the story.
In this primary election, Patrick is cast as the charismatic speaker with an inspirational life story, from downtrodden in Chicago to millionaire in Massachusetts. Gabrieli is the cerebral policy wonk who can point to success in the private and nonprofit sectors and a bankroll to match Healey's.
You might also say that these two sons of Harvard chose opposite career paths. Gabrieli did well, then he did good; Patrick did good, then he did well.
Gabrieli made a fortune via investments in healthcare and biotech startups. Then, he moved into the nonprofit world, working and funding ways to advance public policy ideas.
Patrick launched a career as a government lawyer with a zeal for enforcing civil rights laws. Then, using the public sector as a springboard, he made millions in the private sector, defending corporations he used to regulate.
Because of his natural glibness, Patrick may look like the person who can wheedle most of what he wants out of Beacon Hill. On the other hand, Gabrieli has experience promoting ideas in the public arena.
The same poll that puts Patrick ahead on primary day indicates that Gabrieli is the strongest Democrat against Healey. In the State House News poll, he beats her 47 percent to 26 percent. Those numbers explain why the Healey campaign is going after Gabrieli. This week, the Republicans criticized a Gabrieli campaign flier that said the state is losing jobs under the Romney-Healey administration.
The 2006 GOP campaign message is basic: Healey won't spend your money or raise your taxes. Liberals may not want to accept this political reality, but Patrick's position on the income tax rollback is going to be a problem in the general election -- and could doom him. At least Gabrieli accepts the reality -- voters endorsed an income tax rollback -- and offers a formula for implementing it, even if it falls short of immediate gratification.
Heart versus mind. Hope versus results. Inspiration versus pragmatism.
I just wish Gabrieli could win minds without stomping on hearts.
Joan Vennochi's e-mail address is vennochi@globe.com. 
