By Noah Bierman, Globe Staff SPRINGFIELD -- Governor Deval Patrick gave the most fiery speech ofthe day thus far at the state Democratic convention, tellingdelegates it s time for Democrats to grow a backbone and standup for what we believe. Democrats, quit waiting for pundits and pollsters and economicindicators to tell us who the next president or senator or memberof congress is going to be, he said. We shape our own future. The speech, similar to those he often delivers to party activistsacross the country, excited the thousands in the audience,prompting many to repeatedly stand and cheer. Patrick s speech wasfar more nationally oriented than those by other speakers, praisingPresident Obama and criticizing Republicans as unprincipledbullies, seeking power rather than principle.
He singled out hispredecessor, Mitt Romney for what he characterized as bad economicstewardship. Patrick then exhorted Democrats to stand up for Obama. I for one will not let him be bullied out of office, he said. I m in for 2012, are you in? -- Most of the state s US House delegation gave remarks in tribute toBarney Frank and John Olver, two retiring congressmen.
They stood up every day for men and women in the Commonwealth whowanted the opportunity to succeed, said Representative WilliamKeating, a Bourne Democrat. Representative James P. McGovern of Worcester called Frank aDemocrat who strikes terror in the hearts of Republicans andalluded to the time the two men were arrested protesting thegenocide in Sudan, joking that Frank was a lot of fun in jail. In his tribute, Representative Edward J. Conference Table Connection Box
Markey, the dean of thedelegation, said, When they build a Mt. Rushmore for liberals,Barney Frank will be up there. Olver gave a short speech, but Frank was not on stage. Also missingwas Steve Lynch, the South Boston congressman who is the state smost conservative Democrat. -- Democratic Party Chairman John Walsh would not predict whetherlong-shot candidate Marisa DeFranco would make the primary ballotto challenge establishment candidate Elizabeth Warren. Conference Table Connection Box
He opened this morning s state Democratic convention with a coyjoke from the podium, predicting we would send a strong woman tothe US Senate from Massachusetts. Walsh tried to fire up the crowd of thousands. It s a tightrace, he said. It s going to be tied right up till electionday. Flush Mounted Outlet Manufacturer
Noah Bierman can be reached at nbierman@globe.com. Follow him onTwitter @noahbierman.
He singled out hispredecessor, Mitt Romney for what he characterized as bad economicstewardship. Patrick then exhorted Democrats to stand up for Obama. I for one will not let him be bullied out of office, he said. I m in for 2012, are you in? -- Most of the state s US House delegation gave remarks in tribute toBarney Frank and John Olver, two retiring congressmen.
They stood up every day for men and women in the Commonwealth whowanted the opportunity to succeed, said Representative WilliamKeating, a Bourne Democrat. Representative James P. McGovern of Worcester called Frank aDemocrat who strikes terror in the hearts of Republicans andalluded to the time the two men were arrested protesting thegenocide in Sudan, joking that Frank was a lot of fun in jail. In his tribute, Representative Edward J. Conference Table Connection Box
Markey, the dean of thedelegation, said, When they build a Mt. Rushmore for liberals,Barney Frank will be up there. Olver gave a short speech, but Frank was not on stage. Also missingwas Steve Lynch, the South Boston congressman who is the state smost conservative Democrat. -- Democratic Party Chairman John Walsh would not predict whetherlong-shot candidate Marisa DeFranco would make the primary ballotto challenge establishment candidate Elizabeth Warren. Conference Table Connection Box
He opened this morning s state Democratic convention with a coyjoke from the podium, predicting we would send a strong woman tothe US Senate from Massachusetts. Walsh tried to fire up the crowd of thousands. It s a tightrace, he said. It s going to be tied right up till electionday. Flush Mounted Outlet Manufacturer
Noah Bierman can be reached at nbierman@globe.com. Follow him onTwitter @noahbierman.