This wasn’t supposed to happen. Mike Minogue, the Republican candidate for governor, was supposed to be a boring walkover for Gov. Maura Healey. But his gas-tax-holiday proposal, plastered all over TV and the Internet (and see above), was obviously hitting home, for Healey has now proposed her own gas-tax-suspension proposal. … Impressive. There’s a sign of life in this election after all. … What other easy affordability layups are out there for Minogue to mine? Suspending the sales tax on home-heating oil, gas and electricity this winter? Suspending roadway tolls? Doesn’t matter if it’s fiscally irresponsible or not. It’s all about affordability this election cycle, as Dems have been fond of saying of late.

Update — 9.23.26 — The Herald’s front page (see below) makes it look like this is a setback for Minogue – and he’s certainly acting like it based on his whiny quotes in the accompanying Herald article. But the Herald’s Tim Dunn get is right: 

Healey’s announcement, as well as her legislation, is a complete turnaround from previous statements against suspending the state gas tax, where she has called it a “gimmick” and instead called on Massachusetts to decrease its reliance on fossil fuels.

She’s a shameless flip-flopper. That’s what he should be gleefully emphasizing.

Update — 9.25.26 – From MassLive: “Can Republican Mike Minogue turn the politics of frustration into a coalition?” … Answer: Not big enough to win.