BOSTON (AP) — Republican gubernatorial candidate Charlie Baker has acknowledged that an emotional story he told about a struggling fisherman during a debate Tuesday night dates to the 2010 campaign.

During the debate, Baker and Democratic opponent Martha Coakley were asked about the last time they cried.

Baker appeared to choke up, and told a story about speaking with a New Bedford fisherman. Baker said the man cried as he said he felt he'd ruined his sons' lives by pressing them to become fishermen instead of going to college.

Baker said Wednesday that he met the fisherman during his 2010 campaign for governor.

Baker said he cried again on Saturday when he was re-telling the story to a group of people at his home.

Baker said he connected with the man because he is also a father.

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