Kerry, who opposes term limits, said the real issue involves reforming campaign finance laws.
"The problem is money--the average person can't run," Kerry said.
Yesterday marked the sixth time the two faced off in a debate, with two more scheduled for Oct. 23 in Springfield and Oct. 28 in Boston.
The two have been locked in a tight race for months, with most polls still showing a statistical dead heat.
In a humorous interchange, Beverly resident Jim Muse asked the candidates why voters should send a popular governor to Washington rather than keep him closer to home.
"Keep the governor, and keep me, and everybody is happy," quipped Kerry.
But Weld said voters can not logically keep both men in office.
"We are the opposite in terms of the great issues of the day," said the governor. "Give me a chance.