The Patricks attend a reception in Great Barrington to thank supporters.
GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — The coalition built around Gov. Deval Patrick's two terms in office hopes to continue once he leaves office this January.
The governor and his wife, Diane Patrick, mingled with 40 or 50 potential "Friends of Deval Patrick" gathered on Saturday afternoon at the Great Barrington Fairgrounds.
The Patricks were there to thank supporters for their efforts and input over the past eight years.
"You've really been with us through the highs and the lows, and there have been lots and lots of highs and some lows," said Diane Patrick.
The governor thanked those at the reception, which included state Sen. Benjamin B. Downing, state Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier and Pittsfield Mayor Daniel Bianchi, for giving him the space and confidence to govern and focus on the real mission — the next generation.
"These are my neighbors and our welcome has been so warm in Berkshire County, and that was before I was a candidate," Patrick said afterward. "I think they felt that I understand how neglected they had felt for a long time. ... I tried to pay attention."
John E. Walsh, former chairman of the state Democratic Party, Patrick's 2006 campaign manager and director of his Together PAC, ticked off a list of accomplishments including greater investment in higher education and clean energy, and bridges and roads.
"This is because you took a risk and engaged your community on behalf of a remarkable leader," he said.
Patrick focused on the intersection of compassion and policy, saying the support he had received from citizens had allowed him to govern with kindness in mind.
He used the example of the recent crisis over children crossing the southern border, sent by desperate parents on the mistaken notion they could gain citizenship. Patrick had offered to house some in Massachusetts, an offer that angered some.
"The bullies and the haters got all the headlines," he said, but phone calls and contacts to the office had run 3-1 in favor. A Saturday morning trip to Home Depot had led to an encounter with one "angry and loud" man and six quieter expressions of support.
"How come it's OK to talk about kindness and compassion when we're raising our kids and building their character and then to put it to one side when it comes to policy?" he asked.
His remarks were greeted with applause, and nearly everyone at the event asked him to pose for pictures.
"I can't think of a better governor," said Mary Palmer of Lee, counting back to 1620. "He's really wonderful."
Walsh rallied the crowd to remember that another election loomed, calling for support for Democrats if they wanted to keep the state on its current path.
He also solicited ideas and input for the still nascent "Friends" organization that was forming.
"We built a community together and it's important for all of us that community continue beyond the governor's term," he said.
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