Free Republic

Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick signaled Sunday that he would be open to a White House bid at some point, though the governor has previously ruled out seeking the presidency in 2016. Asked in an interview whether he could see himself as a national candidate — not necessarily in 2016 — the second-term Democrat responded: “Maybe. Maybe.” “That’s a decision I have to make along with my wife of 30 years, and she’s a tough one to convince,” Patrick said. Prodded further, the former Justice Department official responded: “Let’s just see what time tells.” Only the second African-American elected governor of...

Gov. Deval Patrick is a Democratic “rock star” who — scandals be damned — could launch a 2016 White House run if he chooses, say Democrats undeterred by this week’s double whammy of dirt to hit Patrick’s administration and political future. “This will pass like a storm cloud in the summertime,” Democratic strategist Steve McMahon said of revelations the state’s escalating drug lab scandal has tainted the cases of as many as 40,000-plus defendants and that the state ranks in the top three nationwide in welfare handouts. “If he decided to run, and I take him on his word he’s...