McGovern is expected to endorse Patrick bid

US Representative James P. McGovern of Worcester today is expected to announce his support for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Deval Patrick, which would give the former US Justice Department official his first endorsement by a major political figure.

Sources in the Patrick campaign confirmed yesterday that the candidate and McGovern, a Worcester Democrat first elected to the House in 1996, will hold a conference call this morning to announce the endorsement.

McGovern's expected backing comes a few days before the state Democratic convention, where Patrick, Attorney General Thomas F. Reilly, and Secretary of State William F. Galvin are to address party members.

The party conclave is an important watershed for Patrick, a newcomer to Massachusetts politics and a relative unknown. With many in the political establishment lining up with Reilly, McGovern's endorsement could help Patrick's efforts to enlist the support of party activists and leaders.

McGovern has a strong liberal record, which plays well with those active in Massachusetts Democratic Party politics. Both he and Patrick are strong backers of gay marriage. The convention is expected to adopt a plank in the Democratic platform to back gay marriage, a move that has created some dissent in the state party.

''McGovern's endorsement alone is not that significant, but coming just a few days before the convention, it is just the sort of thing Patrick needs," said Lou DiNatale, director of the Center for Economic and Civic Opinion at UMass-Lowell. ''If he can combine that with an appearance at the convention that is above expectations, it would give his candidacy the kind of buzz in party circles that it needs."