Deval Patrick for Governor

The Progressive Democrats of Somerville (PDS) is pleased to announce that by a 96% vote, it has endorsed Deval Patrick for Governor. During his decades of public service, first as a civil rights advocate, later as a member of the Clinton Administration Justice Department, and most recently as a gubernatorial candidate, Deval Patrick has demonstrated tremendous leadership defending civil liberties, protecting a woman's right to choose, and ensuring equal opportunity regardless of race, creed, disability, gender, or sexual preference, including the opportunity to marry.

In making our decision to endorse Deval Patrick, PDS considered not only his record as a civil and human rights advocate, but also his opposition to restoring the death penalty in Massachusetts, his willingness to hold employers accountable for the cost of health care, his support for Cape Wind, his commitment to ensuring that Cities and Towns have the resources they need to support quality education and basic services, and his opposition to rolling back the income tax rate without restoring funding for the health and human services that were cut during the Romney years.

PDS Chairperson Kate Wallace stated that "the increasingly enthusiastic reception for Deval Patrick demonstrates that Massachusetts residents are ready to elect a leader who is willing to take courageous and principled stands. Patrick’s work in corporate America reminds us that creating a strong economy doesn't have to come at the expense of protecting the environment or the public interest. PDS is proud to be part of the building momentum for Deval's campaign. By mobilizing progressive Democrats from Somerville, we look forward to contributing to the statewide effort that will elect a progressive Democratic Governor in 2006."

PDS's endorsement of Deval Patrick for Governor is part of an ongoing commitment to promote the progressive values that lie at the heart of the Democratic Party, and that are embodied in the State Party Platform. In its nearly three years of existence, PDS's record of accomplishments has included successful advocacy for passage of the Platform Accountability Amendment to the State Democratic Platform, implementation of the Mass Scorecard, election of numerous progressive candidates to City and State office, and mobilization of our members in a range of local public policy debates.