Debates Conclude on 630 WPRO with Lt. Governor Candidates
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Maybe they saved the best for last.
Or at least it was the best political theatre of a week filled with excellent live debates in-studio at 630 WPRO, a GoLocalProv media partner, when Lt Gov Elizabeth Roberts faced Democratic challenger Jeremy Kapstein last night.
And face Kapstein she did. Right out of the gates, Kapstein, most famously known as senior advisor to the Boston Red Sox, used sports metaphors to attack Roberts' record, and assert his commitment to making the state office into an economic ambassadorship. Roberts, on the other hand, used her time to defend her record and question, albeit carefully, Kapstein's record.GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST
Overall, though, the attacks came from Kapstein, who scribbled on his yellow legal pad, popped his eyeglasses on and off, and pivoted in his chair to check in visually with his retinue. Roberts, on the other hand, worked with a three-ring notebook with printouts and stayed poised, although at one point she took her reponse time to express astonishment at her challenger's low esteem of her performance as lieutenant governor.
This was matched for drama by Kapstein's taking one of his direct-question opportunities to challenge Roberts to look him in the eye and say, honestly, who Rhode Islanders would feel safer with in the role of Governor, should the next Governor be unable to serve. Kapstein shed his glasses and turned to face the incumbent. She turned to him, and said, simply, that it was she.
Health care versus jobs
Roberts, who has defined her role as Lt Governor with depth and action on health care, reiterated her accomplishments, and made several mentions of a quartet of companies she has brought to RI. Kapstein, on the other hand, has made jobs the centerpiece of his campaign, and hit the theme relentlessly throughout the hour debate, when not attacking Roberts. He also cited his early and vocal opposition to Curt Schilling's $75 deal with the state, and vowed to work 70 hours per week if elected, although retaining relationships with the Red Sox.
Click here for more coverage from 630 WPRO and here for more analysis.
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