US News Metro Long Island Politics

Sports NFL MLB Olympics NBA NHL College Football College Basketball WNBA

Business Personal Finance

Entertainment TV Movies Music Celebrities Awards Theater

Lifestyle Weird But True Sex & Relationships Viral Trends Human Interest Parenting Fashion & Beauty Food & Drink Travel

Health Wellness Fitness Health Care Medicine Men’s Health Women’s Health Mental Health Nutrition

Science Space Environment Wildlife Archaeology

Today’s Paper Covers Columnists Horoscopes Crosswords & Games Sports Odds Podcasts Careers

Email Newsletters Official Store Home Delivery Tips

Switch between CA and NY editions here.

Katie Porter’s sneaky power move in California governor’s debate — all candidates ranked

The fourth and final gubernatorial debate of the California primary brought a surprise.

Democrat Katie Porter openly and publicly borrowed an idea from Republican Steve Hilton: ending income taxes for those earning less than $100,000 per year.

It made Hilton look good. But it also helped Porter look magnanimous. In a gesture of generosity toward an opponent, she helped assuage concerns about her “temperament.”

Xavier Becerra, who appears to be emerging as the frontrunner in some recent polls, had a tough night. But the fact that he took a lot of attacks might, ironically, cement him in voters’ minds as the leader.

As early voting continues, the race for governor remains a lottery. The big question is whether both, or any, of the Republicans will qualify for the general election. They’ve certainly made it a better contest.

Steve Hilton: A Hilton was jovial and sharp in his attacks. He picked up an endorsement of sorts when Katie Porter acknowledged that she was borrowing his idea for tax cuts. He interrupted other candidates, which is risky, but did so effectively. His answer on housing (build outwards, not upwards) was the best anyone has given. He brings a sense of humor to the stage and makes every debate more interesting.

Katie........

© New York Post