Massachusetts Elects First African-American Governor

Last night in the crowed Hynes Convention Center the Democratic Party was celebrating victories in the House of Representatives, a gain in the Senate, and Deval Patrick winning the governorship of Massachusetts. The blue and white confetti was flying in a sea of signs that read "Together We Can".

Deval Patrick became Massachusetts' first African-American governor by beating out Lt. Governor Kerry Healey, Independent Christy Mihos, and Green Rainbow candidate Grace Ross. Patrick is only the second black governor in U.S. history.

Standing before an enormous American flag Patrick was introduced by Massachusetts Senators John Kerry and Ted Kennedy. "The main event," as Kennedy called him made humbly made his way to the podium. "Thank you. Thank you all," he greeted his supporters before being interrupted by a loud chant of "Yes we can! Yes we can! Yes we can!" To which he quickly responded "You better believe we can!"

"The people of Massachusetts are so proud, so optimistic, so practical, so hopeful. A people of ingenuity and drive and grit and determination. A people of fundamental civility and warmth. A people from a tradition of high standards and high expectations. This is the character of the people of Massachusetts. This is the character you reflected in this campaign. And these are the people I am honored to serve come January as your Governor," he said while thanking the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for electing him.

He ended the evening by quoting his grandmother who used to say "Hope for the best, and work for it," he said with a smile. "Well, we have succeeded in raising each others hopes, and I can't wait to get to work."

For the transcript of Deval Patrick's speech visit the Boston Globe's web site.

My opinion: Good for Deval, and even better for the people of Massachusetts. Deval's campaign is the example of how politics should be run; clean and on a message of hope, not fear. I'm so happy that he was elected. I am optimistic that Massachusetts will move forward as a progressive state for change and equality. Congratulations to Deval Patrick on his fantastic campaign and his election!