Deval Patrick, Democratic candidate for Governor of Massachusetts, spoke at Tufts yesterday to a large and enthusiastic audience of Tufts students and Somerville and Medford residents.
Patrick is competing for the Democratic candidacy for the Massachusetts gubernatorial race.
Massachusetts State Representative Carl Sciortino said, "Deval Patrick has inspired people to check back in. He is a leader. We should be grateful to have him here today."
Patrick claims to be running grassroots campaign, based on the support of the people rather than companies.
"It's harder to be an outsider without political chips to cash or jets to call in," Patrick said.
"This grassroots campaign has been about going to your neighborhoods," Patrick said. "We have drained common sense out of public policy. It is about finding that common sense in your kitchens."
Rather than focusing on gaining the support of political machines or corporations, Patrick wants his campaign to be about community.
"A community is when people have a stake in each other. We need to rebuild our sense of community or any good ideals will not be put into action."
Many speakers agreed that current Governor Mitt Romney has left Massachusetts in a compromised situation.
"The tunnel collapsing showed a lack of leadership. Romney forgot his state when he has a responsibility to his constituents," said President of the Tufts Community Union (TCU) Senate Mitch Robinson.
"There is a lot of work to do in Massachusetts for everyone," Patrick said. "Affordable rental housing is one large issue. Another issue is to expand economic opportunity."
"We are at a crossroads. We need change and I have more experience in this than any other candidate, Democrat or Republican."
Patrick argued that unclear campaigning and standing as regards ties to corporations have discouraged people from participating in elections.
"I think we get the leadership we deserve. Good people check out on politics and leave it to others. It's considered clever to blur your positions as a candidate."
Patrick's supporters were present at the event in full force. Mayor of Somerville Joe Curtatone supports Patrick for his proactive attitude, he said.
"What impressed me about Deval Patrick was that he addresses problems head on and that's why I support him," Curtatone said. "He deals in straight talk and didn't barter for my support. I hope to work with him."
Others said they were especially impressed with Patrick's focus on the community.
"I support Deval Patrick because he's concerned with people," said Jen Bailey, the Tufts coordinator for Deval Patrick. "He gets one vote at a time, rather than buying a campaign. This is the first campaign I've ever been involved in and the only kind of campaign I ever want to be involved with."
"My life has been about culture change," Patrick said. "Making a plan for change and bringing it about. I want you all to see what I see is possible for Massachusetts. That's the lesson of my life. I grew up on the south side of Chicago in a two bedroom tenement."
Massachusetts State Senator Pat Jehlen agrees. "Deval's counting on the grassroots and gambling on us," she said. "He's not relying on the political machines. Let's not let him down."
According to Tufts Democrats president Kayt Norris, although the Democrats sponsored the event, they do not support any one candidate and had offered invitations to the other Democratic candidates to speak.
