One Heartbeat Away

The campaign of Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Roberts made reference, today, to what might be its most potent argument against voting for her opponent, perennial candidate Robert Healey: he shouldn't be one heartbeat from the governor's office.

It's the sort of argument used against Sarah Palin two years ago. And it could have some appeal here. Some voters may believe that if they vote for Healey, who has long advocated eliminating the lieutenant governor's office, the job will just disappear. But it won't be that easy.

This sort of argument suddenly makes the candidates' politics - their positions on major issues - more important. And that plays into Roberts' hands.

Of course, breaking through with this message in a crowded election season will be a challenge.