Former Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick this week entered the 2020 Democratic presidential field. He said he thinks he has something to offer — including a strong record as a government leader.
"I'm proud of the fact we came out of the recession faster than most other states," Patrick told WBUR about his time as governor. "We were the first in America in student achievement, and health care coverage, and veterans services, and energy efficiency, and entrepreneurial activity."
Patrick joins two others from Massachusetts running for president: Democratic U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren, and former Governor Bill Weld, a Republican.
Panelist Carrie Saldo said attracting donors at this relatively late date will be key.
"He's going to need that money to gain the national name recognition he's going to need if he's going to be a viable candidate in this very, very late point in the cycle," Saldo said.
Panelist Ron Chimelis called Patrick's decision a mixed blessing.
"Getting into the race this late gives him an attention that he would not have had when there was 20 people getting in at just about the same time," Chimelis said.
But he said Patrick needs donors, money and staff to make it work.
"A lot of his staffers have gone to work for other people, because they didn't think he was going to run," Chimelis said.
Chimelis said Patrick might be able to position himself as a liberal Democrat who "doesn't hate business."
"Because he's worked with Bain Capital — and if he can get past the nomination, that could be appealing to a lot of swing voters," Chimelis said. "So it is a mixed bag for him, but he's got a lot of catching up to do."
Saldo acknowledged the potential for Patrick's record as governor to become opponents' material during the campaign.
"We saw that Governor Charlie Baker found a giant budget gap after Governor Patrick left office here in Massachusetts," she said. "I'm sure that'll get holes poked in it right and left. But interesting gubernatorial fun fact: Jane Swift is now the only living former governor in Massachusetts who hasn't vied for the presidency."
Chimelis said he thinks Patrick's entry into the race isn't good for Warren.
"I think this actually makes people around the country who are not enamored with Massachusetts liberals say, 'What is it with these people? How come they all think they can be president?'" he said. "They might get in each other's way. That could be a real problem for Warren, and maybe even for Patrick."
In Connecticut, Democratic Governor Ned Lamont has been trying to drum up support for a $21 billion plan to improve highways and commuter rail. The proposal calls for 11 tolls — something legislators have been cool to on both sides of the aisle. Republican lawmakers also unveiled their own plan, which doesn't include tolls.
Lamont has said the federal government — which could help fund his project — will want to see a reliable income stream. He played down the idea of legalizing marijuana and sports betting to assist in covering the costs.
A recent report in Massachusetts finds white men dominate state politics, even more than researchers at MassINC expected. Eighty-seven percent of state legislators are white, and more than two-thirds of districts are represented by men. The report suggests more public campaign financing, local news coverage and holding local elections at the same time as statewide races could change things.
And, the Massachusetts House this week passed a bill looking to ban flavored tobacco and vaping supplies, including mint and menthol. The legislation also would impose a 75% excise tax on e-cigarettes. Supporters say it's designed to make smoking and vaping less attractive to young people. The bill now moves on to the state Senate.
Guests:
- Ron Chimelis, columnist, Springfield Republican
- Carrie Saldo, host, WGBY's Connecting Point
