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.

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