ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an in-depth analysis of the 2006 Massachusetts gubernatorial election, where Deval Patrick ran against Kerry Healey. It provides a history of Massachusetts politics, followed by information about the candidates and the campaign. In today's political climate, it is often the norm for black candidates to depoliticize race in order to appeal to white voters. It is very unlikely for white voters to elect a passionate civil rights activist to a statewide office. Depoliticizing race is tempting to black candidates who must garner white votes to win. Before the primary election, in preparation for one of the debates, Patrick spoke of the problems with school districts charging fees for extracurricular activities and transportation. Although both Tom Reilly and Chris Gabrieli criticized Patrick for his work with Texaco and Coca-Cola and his board membership with Ameriquest, Patrick won the Democratic primary election in September.
