Sparks fly at lieutenant governor debate

NEWTON -- Barely minutes into yesterday's lieutenant gubernatorial debate, Democrat Timothy P. Murray put on an exasperated look, turned to the man sitting on the stool to his right, and said, ``Please, Reed, no more pledges from you and Kerry Healey. Because every time you make a pledge it costs the taxpayers millions of dollars."

``You're going to raise taxes every way you can!" responded Reed Hillman, a former state representative from Sturbridge on the Republican ticket. The candidates then began raising their voices and talking over one another before moderator Jim Braude intervened.

The exchange was the first of many raucous confrontations between the Democratic and Republican contenders in the hourlong debate on NECN. It was the first debate among all four candidates for lieutenant governor, and they traversed issues from MCAS tests to taxes and healthcare reform.

Independent John J. Sullivan, a town moderator from Winchester who is running with Christy Mihos, stayed out of the fight for the most part, his answers coming in a calm and methodical voice. ``I think we're wasting a lot of time in this debate on Patrick versus Healey," Sullivan said.

``I agree with Mr. Sullivan," said Martina Robinson, a disability rights activist from Belchertown who is running with Grace Ross on the Green-Rainbow Party ticket. Robinson -- who has cerebral palsy, a brain disorder that impairs muscular coordination -- sat in a wheelchair during yesterday's debate and had a speech assistant repeat all her answers.

Murray took the offensive nearly every chance he got yesterday, and not only in the debate. Earlier in the day, Murray went to the Long Wharf Marriott hotel, where Healey was addressing the International Association of Chiefs of Police. Murray approached Healey after her speech and, in front of a group of reporters, asked why she would not release her answers to a questionnaire from the Gun Owners Action League, which endorsed her on Monday.

``We hope you'll be willing to release your answers to the questionnaire, because it will add to a full and valuable discussion on all the issues relating to public safety," Murray said.

``You know what I'd like to know?" Healey shot back, drawing within 2 feet of Murray. ``Why don't you release your Mass Teachers Association information?"

The teachers union endorsed the Patrick-Murray campaign last month. Candidates will oftentimes send aides to their opponents' events, but rarely does a running mate make an appearance.

In last night's debate, which aired on NECN, Hillman sought to keep alive the issue of crime, which has dogged the Patrick campaign over the past week.

``This is a huge issue," Hillman said. ``It's Tim Murray who's been a defense attorney. It's Deval Patrick that's been a defense attorney. It's Kerry Healey that's always and consistently been on the side of victims."

Murray responded by saying that he and Patrick had an obligation to defend criminals.

``People in this country have a right to an equal protection under the law and due process," Murray said. ``And yes, sometimes that does mean criminal defendants, as unsavory as they might be."

The candidates differed on MCAS. Sullivan and Robinson want to abolish it, while Murray said changes should be made. Hillman called it ``the best thing that's happened to our kids."

The candidates also scuffled over whether the state should reduce the income tax rate, from 5.3 percent to 5 percent. Hillman maintained that it should be reduced. Murray said that cutting back now would mean cuts in funding for cities and towns.

``This debate is about change; it's about difference," Hillman said at one point.

``You've been elected state representative for six years; Kerry Healey had four years as lieutenant governor," Murray said. ``You're talking about change. You had your chance, and you didn't do it."

There were some lighter moments. Murray inadvertently referred to his opponent's team as ``Kerry Hillman."

Hillman grinned.

``We're not married yet," he said.

Matt Viser can be reached at maviser@globe.com.