FOX 25's Sharman Sacchetti shares analysis of first Boston mayoral debate

BOSTON (MyFoxBoston.com) -- The first debate for candidates in the race for mayor of Boston is in the books.

FOX 25's Sharman Sacchetti says it's difficult to stand out amid a dozen candidates, especially in a debate that included such a wide range of topics.

Sacchetti says the front-runners needed to come away from the debate without making any major mistakes and they all did that. Some of the other candidates went for their breakout moment, but it was confusing with so many of them on the same stage.

FOX 25 asked Peter Ubertaccio, Director the Martin Institute of Politics at Stonehill College, the important question: Who won and who lost?

"I think folks came away impressed with Charlotte Golar Richie, with John Barros, but then I think lots of candidates all had very good moments, but I don't think they have changed the contours. I think that Walsh, Connolly, and Conley are still the front-runners in the race," said Ubertaccio.

Analysts say this is not a race that will be won on television. Candidates will need to knock on a lot of doors and get out there on the ground to break into the top two. A preliminary election is scheduled to take place in two weeks.

Cox Media Group