The Year of the Black Candidate?

Might this be "the year of the Black candidate?"

The Boston Globe reports that the Massachusetts Democratic Party has nominated its first African American candidate for Governor in state history. Former Clinton Administration official Deval Patrick, who I understand served as Asst. Attorney General for Civil Rights, sailed to victory at the Party's nominating convention.

I find this development quite exciting. And, since I cut my political teeth as a youngster growing up in Massachusetts, I am happy to see the Mass. Dems. may draw national attention to the primary. But more than anything else I am thrilled to see such an impressive, qualified candidate who has a strong civil rights background.

The Globe reports that Attorney General Thomas F. Reilly and venture capitalist Chris Gabrieli, a loyal New Democrat came in second and third respectively, earning spots on the statewide Party primary ballot.

"The victory makes Patrick the first African-American to be endorsed by a major political party for governor in Massachusetts history. His 10-minute speech to the delegates, touching on his path as a frightened 14-year-old boy from Chicago's South Side to elite education and success in Massachusets, made some in the crowd weep."

Click [here] for the full article.

See previous post on NYT Magazine feature on Maryland Senate candidate and current Lt. Governor Michael Steele.