Harvard Affiliate Debates in Local Race

Democratic State Rep. Timothy D. Toomey faced off against long-shot Republican challenger and Leverett Senior Common Room member David R. Slavitt in a lively and wide-ranging debate last night, trading barbs over taxing Harvard, abortion rights and capital punishment.

The debate, held before a small crowd at the Ryles jazz club in Inman Square, was the third and last meeting between the candidates for state representative from the 26th Middlesex District, which includes parts of Cambridge and Somerville.

Toomey—a six-term incumbent who has held the office since 1993—emphasized his legislative experience and local ties while Slavitt—a writer, critic and translator running his first political campaign—lashed out at his opponent’s pro-life views and the inertia of a State House that he said has been dominated by Democrats for too long.

The two clashed early when Toomey dug into Slavitt in his opening remarks, painting his opponent as representing a party that veered too far to the right.

“My opponent is a decent person, a great wit and a superb debater,” said Toomey, who wore a plain blue, collared shirt. “Yet he has one serious flaw. He represents a Republican Party that both nationally and statewide doesn’t understand or represent the needs or ideals of the people.”

Slavitt responded with a seering critique of Democratic state leadership, whose idealism he said has been “institutionally extinguished.”

“The domination by the Democrats of our political life here in Massachusetts is unhealthy,” Slavitt said. “Their only concerns are incumbency and power, which they abuse.”

Slavitt dominated the proceedings rhetorically, drawing on his debating days at Yale under the tutelage of legendary coach Rollin Osterweis, whose other pupils included William F. Buckley and presidential candidate Sen. John F. Kerry, D-Mass.

But Toomey, seated only a few feet from his opponent, held his own on substance.

Looking to appeal to the socially liberal electorate of Cambridge and Somerville, Slavitt questioned Toomey on his pro-life stance.

The incumbent responded that he has never misled voters on his views on the subject.

“I do believe…that all life should be protected…It’s a deeply felt conviction I have,” Toomey said.

“One is entitled to any position you want,” Slavitt snapped back, “but to attempt to force these views on other people is governmental overreach.”

While social issues dominated most of the proceedings, a clash over town-gown relations produced one of the night’s most heated exchanges.

“I don’t think Harvard would be financially deprived by increasing the amount of money they pay to the city of Cambridge,” Toomey said.

Slavitt ridiculed this plan, noting that Harvard’s tax-exempt status is written into the Massachusetts State Constitution.

“Taking a public position that you want to tax Harvard and its endowment is simply demagoguery,” Slavitt said. Later he loudly chastised Toomey: “It’s not going to happen! You’re perfectly aware it’s not going to happen.”

Toomey casually responded, “I’m a loyal Red Sox fan, so I do believe everything is possible,” drawing cheers from the audience.

While the debate appeared to end in a draw, the election may not be as closely contested. Toomey has strong ties in heavily Democratic Cambridge, and he already overcame a strong primary challenge from fellow Democrat Avi E. Green. And Republicans—even centrists like Slavitt—rarely have a chance in the “People’s Republic of Cambridge.”

Though Slavitt remains a long-shot, his campaign manager Fred Baker remained upbeat about Slavitt’s candidacy.

“It’s an uphill battle. Even if we don’t win, we’re going to turn some heads trying,” Baker said.

—Staff writer Michael M. Grynbaum can be reached at grynbaum@fas.harvard.edu.