But despite the general consensus on issues, each candidate said he had distinguished himself from the pack in some way and deserved to be elected.

"It's impossible to create any sort of social progress without active involvement by our government and our businesses," said Hoicka, for whom this election is a second attempt at unseating Thompson.

Benzan, who went to high school in Cambridge and recently graduated from Howard University in Washington, D.C., said his "vision" of the community made him the strongest candidate on the party slate.

"I am the most viable Democrat candidate on the platform today," Benzan said.

Nevertheless, Thompson said his honesty and attention to economic development and education in state government should be remembered.

"I'm proud of my record," he said.

But in a final remark, obviously directed at Thompson, Barrios suggested that 10 years in office might be too long.

"Nobody is entitled to this seat--because you were from [Cambridge], because you are an incumbent, because you think it is your divine right," Barrios said.

While the number of similar candidates in the 28th makes the race hard to predict, the 27th district is significantly tighter.

One-term incumbent Representative Alice Wolf, with 20 years of participation in public politics, faced off against youthful Anthony Gallucio, the current vicemayor of Cambridge, in a debate that followed the first by 15 minutes.

Although the two candidates acknowledged their similar views on many political issues, they sparred over who could best represent Cambridge.

"I honestly feel I can supply better leadership for Beacon Hill," Gallucio said. "I don't think this has to be a contentious race."