Accentuate the positive

WHEN THE candidates for governor debate tonight, many apprehensive viewers will tune in with hope in their hearts and glass cleaner in their hands -- to wipe the mud off the TV.

A campaign that began to sour shortly after last month's primaries is now mired in negativity. Green Rainbow candidate Grace Ross yesterday pleaded for civility, calling on the campaign of Republican Kerry Healey to apologize ``for creating a climate that has gotten us completely away from real issues that affect real people's lives. It is not leadership to go pointing fingers and to be looking up dirt on people." At the same time, Healey campaign manager Tim O'Brien issued a broadside against 10 state legislators who support Patrick, calling them ``criminal sympathizers" for various votes and suggesting the ``like-minded" Patrick is not fit to govern.

There are several reasons for Healey and the others to shuck off their rassling gear and get substantive tonight. One is that negativity often backfires: Healey and Governor Mitt Romney orchestrated a bruising strategy for GOP challengers in legislative races two years ago and actually lost seats. In multi candidate races, it can give most benefit to a third candidate, a prospect that has independent Christy Mihos touting his chances.

Most important, a campaign dominated by attacks leaves the victor crippled. Candidates who win by making their opponent unelectable -- rather than by the strength of their own agendas -- usually achieve little because they cannot claim a mandate for action.

It would be healthy, not to mention refreshing, if Patrick put some meat on the bones of his agenda, and if Healey focused tonight on healthcare, education, and jobs -- issues that have received far too little attention this month .

In particular, Healey might explain her legislative aims. She has blamed the Legislature for stifling some administration goals, such as oversight of the Big Dig, and she is lambasting Patrick for meeting with legislative leaders ``behind closed doors." But how will she do better when she portrays these same leaders as hacks who have sold out to special interests, and some members as ``criminal sympathizers?" Perhaps she would have a different view of closed-door meetings with legislative leaders if Romney had invited her to the 100-plus Monday afternoon meetings he has held with legislative leaders behind closed doors.

Patrick, for his part, acknowledges that some of his agenda cannot be achieved right away. He would help the voters, and himself if elected, if he would add some specificity tonight, including priorities and timetables.

With more than two weeks to go, there can still be a healthy campaign. Tonight would be a good time to start.