John Connolly tried to create doubt in the minds of potential Marty Walsh voters during the  first mayoral debate. The former school teacher’s strategy has been to focus on his education experience and question Walsh’s labor ties. If there wasn’t a winner during the first debate, there was last night: Connolly.

Connolly seized the victory early in last night’s debate and there was nothing Walsh could do about it. The first question of the debate focused on”negative” campaigning by labor groups that support Walsh. As expected, the state Representative didn’t try to deny the accusations and took a stand early, claiming that he has told the people who were doing it to stop.

Connolly showcased his political savvy by turning the tables on the negative campaigning issue. Rather than call Walsh a bully, Connolly attacked by questioning how much authority Walsh would have — if elected mayor — over his labor friends: “They’re not listening to you now. How do we know they’re going to listen to you when you are actually mayor?”

The more Connolly’s question sinks into the minds of potential voters, the more alarming it could become. It was a clever attack done in a non-accusatory, merely questioning way. Walsh was, essentially, flanked by Connolly in a single moment, being painted as either a patsy or a liar.

If Walsh did indeed tell the groups to stop their (not-so) negative campaigning and it continued, his leadership ability becomes suspect. Connolly’s attack also forced potential viewers to ask themselves, “who stands to benefit from negative attacks against Connolly?” Walsh, obviously. But if he wants it to stop and it doesn’t, then what?

Such an occurrence could indicate that a Walsh administration is not only influenced, but controlled by labor unions. Or — if the attacks continue — it could suggest that Walsh isn’t as positive a campaigner as he would like voters to believe.

This is speculative of course, but Connolly’s tactic was well executed and secured him an early victory.

Walsh, himself, tried to muddy the waters of Connolly’s past by asking the city councilor to reveal his client list from his days as an attorney. “Everything in my life is on the table,” said Walsh, who’s never shied away from discussing his struggle with addiction.

Connolly shrugged off the question while not really addressing the issue, again, turning the table back on Walsh: “Marty, you took three-quarters of your income from labor unions in your leadership roles and then you’re up at the State House filing legislation that could have badly damaged the fiscal health of the city of Boston.”

Walsh was quick to remind viewers that Connolly’s retort, “didn’t answer the question.”

Last night’s debate was certainly more substantial than the first, but still left much to be desired for undecided voters.

Both Connolly and Walsh agreed that tax breaks to big business are necessary to keep strong companies and jobs in Boston. And both candidates agreed that the Boston Redevelopment Authority’s deal with the Red Sox was another example where transparency was lost. Walsh was the first candidate to suggest that the bus drivers involved in this month’s strike be fired, only to see Connolly agree.

Environmental issues were practically non-existent during the debate. The closest the candidates got to touching on this subject was their discussion of city biking. But the issue was safety on Huntington Avenue, not reducing the amount of cars on the road. Again, both candidates agreed that cyclists deserve to share the road, but should also be held accountable like motorists are.

Connolly and Walsh agreed that MBTA hours needed to be extended but differed in their reasoning. Connolly suggested that longer hours would benefit young professionals and local artists. Walsh focused on bartenders and restaurant employees who make their living off of tips and are forced to spend money on cabs after work.

The only gaffe of the night came from Walsh when he was asked about Menino’s use of the Bully pulpit. Walsh appeared thrown off and could not find a specific answer to the question. Connolly, however, was on top of the issue, immediately referencing Menino’s work on gun issues while in D.C.

Lastly, both candidates predicted a Red Sox World Series win. Connolly said Sox in four. And Walsh said Sox in six — all in extra-inning games.

Join us for Coffee with Marty Walsh and John Connolly, an opportunity for Boston’s startup and innovation community members to hear both mayoral candidates expand on their plans for Boston’s innovation economy.