November 1, 2010
The Midterm Elections: Rep. Kendrick Meek, Gov. Deval Patrick & Allen West
Candidate: Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick
Opponent: Charlie Baker
Why the race matters: Patrick, who has served just one term, is the nation’s only black governor. It has reportedly taken four years for him to find his groove, and his state’s economy is in less dire shape than many others’ across the nation.
Key issues: Jobs, energy and the environment, education, and healthcare
Constituency: Massachusetts is largely urban and has a majority white voting population
Financing: Patrick’s third-quarter fundraising total was $1,100,000; his opponent raised $452,000
Political support: President Barack Obama and former President Bill Clinton have each stumped for Patrick; Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino and eight other local mayors, the AFL-CIO of Massachusetts, Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts, Massachusetts National Organization for Women, American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts, Sierra Club Massachusetts Chapter. The Boston Globe also endorses him.
Chances of winning: Patrick has a slight lead over his opponent and the outcome may well depend on turnout.