Take a lager drink, take a whiskey drink

Those of you outside of Massachusetts will have to forgive me for being so provincial, but isn't provinciality what Boston is all about?

Tonight, the four candidates for governor of Massachusetts face off in a debate at Boston's Faneuil Hall. The last time they met, it was a staid affair heavy on policy. So to avoid a repeat, I present the 2006 Gubernatoral Drinking game.

I suggest playing with both a beer and a bottle of whiskey, which is to say -- that's how I'll be watching. Failed 2002 candidate Barbara C. Johnson ("BJ for Governor" -- I kid thee not) watches that way, too.

Ok. Take a drink if...

• Anyone says "When I am governor..."


• Deval Patrick talks about the "politics of hope"...


• ... or the "politics of fear"...


• ... or the "fiscal shell game" his opponent has played...


• ... or the "stunning lack of curiousity" about the Big Dig.


• Kerry Healey appears wooden, or stiff, or bored.


• Grace Ross (Green Rainbow) wears the same jacket for the third debate in a row. Take a shot if she uses the same blouse, too.


• Christy Mihos turns to face Healey before launching an attack.


• Mihos jokes about financing his campaign with his children's inheritance.


• Healey tries to duck Mihos again by asking the moderator if they're out of time.


• Willie Horton makes a guest appearance.

And finally, in a rule sure to get you blizted, drink each time

• Mihos talks about his sure-fire salve to all the state's woes: "Christy's Proposition One."