Deval Patrick, dubbed by the media as the underdog liberal candidate, appears to be the overwhelming winner of Democratic caucuses in Massachusetts today. The caucuses elect delagates to a June state Democratic convention and are seen as a test of strength for candidates. My own suburban Boston town of Acton saw a much larger than usual turnout and a sweep for the Deval Patrick slate. What was surprising was that there was no visible presence for the front runner, Attorney General Tom Reilly. Reports on the Blue Mass Group blog from around Eastern Massachusetts and a few from central and western Mass show Deval winning big in most places including towns on the South Shore that are not considered liberal strongholds. Boston appears to be a mixed bag with Patrick winning big in liberal Jamaica Plain but still getting a smattering of delegates in the more traditional East Boston ward.
I forgot to include the crucical fact that Deval is a candidate for Governor of Massachusetts, an open seat with the departure of Mitt Romney.