BOSTON -- For one final time before next week's primary, the Democratic gubernatorial candidates faced off over the issues Wednesday night, and the issue that dominated the debate was taxes.

NewsCenter 5's Mary Saladna reported that the final debate began and ended with talk of tax policy.

"The big issue in this campaign is taxes, rolling back the taxes, the people have voted on it, neither one of us, anyone of us, has the right to ignore the will and the mandate of the people," Tom Reilly said.

"The tax to cut is the property tax, that's the one that's squeezing people, and the only way to do that, is to restore state aid to cities and towns, and education support, and the only way to do that is to postpone the income tax and invest in ourselves," Deval Patrick said.

"I've laid out a specific plan that could be enacted as legislation that says last year's revenues plus 3 percent are held to continue what we've been doing, every cent above that, 40 cents on the dollar, goes to cutting the income tax. It's a very simple formula to understand. Forgive me for feeling I have a lot of experience in doing budgets, but I've been doing it all my life," Chris Gabrieli said.

"All I'm saying is that the formula you have laid out works on paper, but is not actually going to result in an income tax return," Patrick responded.

When the three weren't sparring about taxes, Reilly and Gabrieli were taking jabs at Patrick, who some polls have indicated is the current front runner in the race.

"I do find it ironic that in a question in which you say we shouldn't be catty, you mention a number above what I'm spending in this campaign. You know, we've both been spending millions this summer. You've been spending it on a summer home, I've been spending it on something I care deeply about, about fighting for Massachusetts. I don't think people who live in glass mansions should throw stones," Gabrieli said to Patrick.

The surprise of the night came when Gabrieli confessed that he had looked over Patrick's shoulder at Patrick's notes and then asked Patrick why he hadn't asked one of the tough questions Patrick had jotted down. Patrick took it all in stride.

"We came in with momentum, we're going out with momentum. I feel good about tonight. I think it was, hopefully, civil, and I feel fine," Patrick said.

"Deval Patrick and I, a lot of voters are trying to decide between the two us and one of us is likely to be the nominee I think it's important to lay out the differences you have on the issues," Gabrieli said.

"We're electing a governor next Tuesday and there's only one of us that was there tonight who is ready to do the job on Day One and that was very clear and that came across. There's only one leader and two politicians and the people have a choice," Reilly said.