Healey, Diehl square off in first gubernatorial debate for Mass. governor

NEEDHAM, Ma---The candidates for governor went toe to toe Wednesday night in Needham.

Maura Healey and Geoff Diehl squared off in the first gubernatorial debate.

Lots of issues were addressed including the high cost of living, the MBTA troubles, and the rising energy costs.

There’s no question both candidates have their share of differences, but one thing they agree on is life in Massachusetts is expensive. They addressed their plan to fix the high cost of living.

“Expanding transportation corridors like the east, west rail, south coast rail, to open up other areas of the state where we can build affordable housing,” said Geoff Diehl, Republican candidate for Massachusetts governor.

“We need more housing, we need housing stock across this state for housing at various income levels. We need to drive down the cost of transportation and fix our public transportation system,” said Maura Healey, democratic Attorney General.

Improving the state’s transportation system comes on the heels of a month’s long Orange Line shut down. One MBTA rider called the system “crumbling.” If elected, Healey plans to hire a safety chief.

“To make sure that all of our rails and busses are checked and inspected and running in a safe condition,” said Healey.

“I think we need to listen to the workers, the workers know exactly what needs to be fixed with the rail lines, with the cars,” said Diehl.

Four months after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe vs. Wade, abortion was another hot topic in the debate. Healey is pro-choice while Diehl is pro-life. Here’s how they responded to whether they support a federal abortion ban.

“I support and will protect and defend a woman’s access to abortion. My opponent wants to ban abortion,” said Healey.

“My job as governor is to protect women’s healthcare choices and that is what I am going to do,” said Diehl.

One person who won’t be on the ballot is Donald Trump, but mentions of him sprinkled throughout the debate. Healey attacked Diehl’s support of the former president and criticized his stance that the election was rigged.

“My opponent is Donald Trump’s candidate for governor. I’d be honored to be yours,” said Healey.

“That’s her boogeyman, that’s what the media like to talk about. It is a distraction to what is important in this race,” said Diehl.

Healey leads in the polls and in campaign cash.

In September, she had $3.5 million compared to Diehl with nearly $90,000.

Election Day is November 8th.

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