The candidates for governor had been around and around on taxes, healthcare, and housing costs. Then came this poser from the audience at yesterday's midmorning debate: What's the price of a gallon of milk?
The question seemed meant to trip them up, as Governor Mitt Romney had stumbled last year when asked the cost of a Boston subway ride.
Republican Kerry Healey was the first on the hot seat at the morning debate, held hours before last night's televised debate. ``Organic or regular?" she shot back. ``It's between $3 and $3.50, depending on what kind of milk you like."
Democrat Deval Patrick tried to be more precise. ``About $2.79," he said.
Christy Mihos, the independent who owns a chain of convenience stores, was in his element. ``Do you want 1 percent, 2 percent, or homogenized?" he said. ``At Christy's on Cape Cod, you can get a great deal on 1 percent at, I believe, $2.19; 2 percent, 2.79; and homogenized, $2.99."
The cost of a gallon of milk at Boston-area Stop & Shops yesterday ranged from $3.49 for skim to $4.69 for whole, according to their website.
Green-Rainbow Party candidate Grace Ross, who wasn't invited to the debate, said later she could only guess the price. ``I drink soy milk," she said.
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