Requiem for Tom / debate wrap

Published Sep 14 2006, 12:03 AM by Adam Reilly

Most poignant moment of the debate, and maybe even the campaign: "Getting things* done is what I do," ex-frontrunner Tom Reilly says in his closing statement. "This is a time for tested and proven leadership." Subsequently, he twitches nervously, his voice breaks, and his hand shakes.

My quick take on this evening's proceedings: Reilly did well enough to stay in the game, and Gabrieli was good but couldn't knock Patrick down (metaphorically/forensically) despite plenty of attempts. Which leaves Patrick--despite his lame foray into self-pity--as the clear frontrunner heading into Tuesday's primary.

*NOTE: not "this," as I originally wrote.