What’s to become of Governor Deval Patrick?
He leaves office next January after serving two full, four year terms — the first Massachusetts Governor to do so since Michael Dukakis left the State House in January, 1991.
Patrick made it quite clear early on that he wouldn’t seek a third term this year. That fueled speculation that perhaps he’d gear up for a presidential run in 2016. He says he won’t. It’s possible, but seems unlikely to me that he’ll join his friend President Obama in Washington for what would be a rather brief time in the final two years of that administration. I think only a Supreme Court nomination could lure our Governor to D.C.
We love political mysteries and intrigue here in Massachusetts and we’re very used to seeing our Senators and Governors run for President. We just can’t imagine why anyone who has the chance wouldn’t run for president!This is the home of political hardball –and getting elected Governor or Senator from Massachusetts pretty much automatically puts you on a lot of short-lists for the Oval Office. Only one of them made it — but just think of all the Massachusetts pols who have tried a run for the White House since 1960. John Kennedy, Ted Kennedy, John Kerry, Henry Cabot Lodge, Paul Tsongas, Michael Dukakis, Mitt Romney. I really don’t expect we’ll be adding the name “Deval Patrick” to that list in 2016 or 2020. I think the Governor is truthful when he says the White House is not on his radar screen. Sorry, but I have to fall back on that hackneyed old political saw that Deval Patrick just doesn’t seem to have the “fire in the belly” that someone considering the presidency must have to sustain them through the 2 or 3 years of travel, fund-raising and campaigning it takes to win that job. He seems to be a man very comfortable with himself and the time he has spent as Governor and not in need of a higher office or any greater lofty achievement.
There’s one more major factor that makes me greatly doubt there will ever be a Patrick presidential campaign. Never forget that shortly after he became Governor in 2007, Mrs. Patrick was hospitalized — exhausted and depressed after the personal attacks and brutal comments of the campaign. The Governor said his wife Diane is “his life” and he seriously considered resigning — just weeks after he’d taken office. No question the 2006 Massachusetts gubernatorial campaign was rough — but it was nothing compared to the sustained length, intensity and ferocity of a presidential campaign. That’s a contest for world leadership, for all the political marbles there are — no holds barred. First and foremost, Deval Patrick is a family man — a husband, a father, and a grandfather. Barring some extraordinary circumstance — while remembering you “Never say Never” in politics — I just don’t think he wants to subject his family to the tensions that are part and parcel of a run for the presidency of the United States.
My guess is he practices law, maybe teaches, campaigns for Democrats across the country and spends as much time as possible at his home in the Berkshires with his family.
