The Case for Patrick

On paper, the policies of the three Democratic candidates for the governorship of Massachusetts don’t differ much. They all can proudly point to position papers that reflect a genuine commitment to progressive values. But Deval L. Patrick ’78 has been able to differentiate himself from the pack in a noteworthy and decisive way. He has made Massachusetts excited about state politics for the first time in a long time. Patrick entered this race as a virtual unknown facing opponents who enjoyed recognition throughout the state. Through relentless grassroots campaigning, he has been able to earn the ardent support of many—raising a record $550,000 in August. His leadership has been inspired and inspiring, which makes us believe that he is the best equipped of all the Democratic candidates to guide Massachusetts forward. We enthusiastically support Deval Patrick for the Democratic gubernatorial primary on Sept. 19.

Patrick’s personal story is a testament to his dynamic personal character. Born in one of Chicago’s roughest neighborhoods, he went on to graduate from both Harvard College and Harvard Law School. It’s no surprise, then, that Patrick is passionately committed to providing today’s disadvantaged youth with the same opportunities that allowed him to move from Chicago’s South Side to the boardrooms of the Justice Department and Coca-Cola.

Patrick is the only one of the three Democratic candidates who opposes reducing the state income tax, arguing instead that this revenue should be directed toward the improvement of state services. Patrick also supports using these funds to increase local aid to cities and municipalities, which will allow local governments to lower their property taxes—which, in turn, can help alleviate the Commonwealth’s skyrocketing housing costs. Anyone can score points with the electorate by promoting a tax cut, but Patrick alone has boldly fought for a level tax rate and increased funding where the state really needs it.

Furthermore, we support Patrick’s comprehensive and forward-thinking plan to invigorate Massachusetts’ economy through state-funded initiatives—initiatives that would be jeopardized were the income tax to be reduced. By investing in our mass transit systems and expanding them to economically underserved areas, Patrick believes that the Commonwealth can rejuvenate Massachusetts’ recessed urban areas such as New Bedford and Worcester. After 16 years of neglect for the Commonwealth’s mass transit network, Patrick’s emphasis on this issue is refreshing and welcome.

Patrick was also the first of the Democratic candidates to support the Cape Wind project, which will construct a system of windmills in Nantucket Sound to provide most of Cape Cod’s electrical power. This is an important step in solidifying the Commonwealth’s image as a pioneer of sophisticated technology and renewable energy. Patrick’s audacious plans to give Massachusetts an economic identity is a refreshing departure from the Romney administration’s anti-stem cell moral politicking.

Throughout his campaign, Patrick has demonstrated a willingness to pick his battles and fight the right fight. That’s why, for example, he’s a strong supporter of same-sex marriage. In the face of a concerted Republican campaign to repeal the legalization of same-sex marriage, Patrick’s position on the matter has been unequivocal. Not only does he believe in the right of same-sex partners to marry, but he also supports the repeal of a 1913 law that prohibits out-of-state couples from marrying within the Commonwealth—a law that has been unfairly applied to prevent non-resident gays from marrying. Patrick supports the right of all people to marry, regardless of resident status or any other technical concern.

Deval Patrick is not a typical Massachusetts politician. He’s neither Irish nor Catholic, but he is the best standard bearer for the Democratic Party and its ideals. He wasn’t born in the Commonwealth, but he understands better than anyone the obstacles that this state’s disadvantaged and working-class youth must overcome in order to succeed. He has never held elected office, yet his success in reaching out to the electorate shows that he’s exactly what we need in our elected officials. Patrick offers both leadership and ideas that far surpass the ordinary, and we proudly endorse him for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination.