Published September 7, 2010

WBZ’s Jon Keller moderates the first televised debate of the gubernatorial candidates live on Channel 4 at 7 p.m.

The State House News Service tells us what to expect:

From the epic Kennedy-Romney match at Faneuil Hall to the shouting matches between Paul Cellucci and Scott Harshbarger to “Would you like to see my tattoo, Tim?” Massachusetts has had its share of memorable debate moments. Could tonight add to the list?

These guys! (AP)

The Boston Globe’s Joan Vennochi thinks the Big Dig and taxes will emerge as lines of attack in the back-and-forth between incumbent Gov. Deval Patrick and Republican challenger Charlie Baker.

Our brand new politics blog, ElectionWire, will have useful (and, inevitably, hilarious) analysis of the debate performance tomorrow morning — from none other than Dan Payne and Todd Domke.

If you missed it, independent challenger Tim Cahill said he will pick up a Democratic ballot in the primary election Sept. 14. And Gov. Patrick said, after much hounding from the Herald, he would support the will of the voters if they approve a sales-tax rollback.

And in non-gubernatorial election news, the woman Rep. Barney Frank called “a dining room table” at a town hall meeting, will challenge him in the 4th district. (I guess she isn’t taking the insult lying down.)

Published September 7, 2010

Universal Hub covers what appears to be a protest by the famed chair club in Harvard Square. Karen Snyder (@gegertha) tweets:

Cardullos took away the tv for the Red Sox games. No problem … there are 4 guys there with their own chairs and a radio!

Cardullo’s, the gourmet market, suddenly removed the big-screen TV from its window last week, ending a tradition of devoted Red Sox fans gathering on the sidewalk to watch games. Or so we thought.

No more.

The Cambridge Chronicle printed a great letter from Harvey Silverglate (the Boston defense attorney I interviewed about BPD gang fliers once upon a time):

I realized how and why this obviously misguided decision was made: A consultant, described in your article as “a designer who came to the shop,” recommended the change. “Are you a sports bar or a gourmet food store?” the consultant reportedly asked. The question that the consultant should have asked, however, is whether a store that has become a Harvard Square institution can afford to deprive residents and passers-by of such a humanizing amenity without incurring considerable loss of goodwill.

And this from Hubbub commenter Bob Power:

To Whom It May Concern: I have been enjoying Harvard Sq. for forty years. I loved the classical record collection at the old COOP (now just another Barnes & Noble); the wondrous french press coffee at the original Coffee Connection (now just another Starbucks) and Cardullos great family tradition of quality food in a unique setting. If by “clean up” you plan to become as safe & boring as the national chains, why not sell the place to Walmart? Be yourself. Your are wonderful, unique, and needed.

Maybe I should move back to Brookline?

Published September 7, 2010

Dan Payne and Todd Domke are two of the most respected political analysts in Boston. Now you can get their wicked sharp commentary every day on ElectionWire, WBUR’s new blog for Election 2010 in Massachusetts — which, by the way, is eight weeks away.

The hidden star is Benjamin Swasey, the ElectionWire editor and a political junkie. Ben does a phenomenal job rounding up the day’s news and links and putting them in context. He also keeps close tabs on what the candidates are saying and doing each day.

From the ElectionWire introduction:

It’s an important election year for the Bay State. Although the four-way gubernatorial race is the headliner, there are two open statewide offices — treasurer and auditor. The congressional races, especially the competitive 5th and 10th, enable voters here to shape the national agenda — and offer the GOP chances to enter the Mass. delegation. And don’t forget about November’s ballot questions.

The blog is hopping. Here’s a sample of what’s there today:

• Debate Night: Big Dig, Taxes As Lines Of Attack
• News Roundup: Patrick Ahead But Hurting, Says Poll
• Campaign Roundup: Cue The Governor’s Debate
• The Surprisingly Unsurprising Governor’s Race
• In Standstill Race, Third Party Points Matter

Definitely worth following if you care a lick about politics.