Returning to Milton, where he and his family had their home, and nearing 50, Patrick last year began exploring the possibility of running for governor. The incumbent attorney general was already in the race, and a wealthy, self-financing businessman was soon to join. But Patrick electrified the Democratic state convention in Worcester in June with a speech decrying cynicism as a drug as lethal as the heroin that tormented his uncle and asking delegates to "take a chance on me" because "I have built bridges across more differences and helped solve more problems in more varied settings than any other candidate in this race, from either party."

Patrick is riding that momentum in a campaign that is notably nonpartisan in tone and studiedly vague on some issues. But he has staked his chances on resisting Healey's call for a rollback in income tax rates -- something Romney has also advocated. "We cannot starve the government of resources any more than we can justify wasting the public's funds," he told me. "We can build together if we work together."

See, Broder just will not accept it. Let's repeat this for him - Patrick is campaigning against tax cuts!! Patrick says "[w]e cannot starve the government of resources. . . " My gawd Broder. Do you not recognize a liberal when you see one? Honestly man.

Yes, this is Massachusetts. Yes, this does not mean a national trend is starting. But Broder chose to write about the man. A man who ran a liberal Democratic primary campaign and routed favored "independent center Democrat" opponents. That is simply a fact. A fact Broder does not want to write about. Which is fine. But stop with the stupid independent center nonsense Broder. It is getting painful. Just stop.

Oh, by the way, Deval Patrick is African-American. Yes, that is an important part of his political story this year. But thanks to the fair minded people of Massachusetts, it appears it might not be the most important part of his story this year.