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Diane Patrick endorses Capuano for Senate

E-mail|Link|Comments () November 20, 2009 04:25 PM

By Matt Viser, Globe Staff

Diane Patrick, the wife of the Massachusetts governor, is endorsing US Representative Michael E. Capuano, a major boost to his Democratic primary campaign to succeed the late US Senator Edward M. Kennedy.

Diane Patrick

Governor Deval Patrick has officially remained neutral in the primary, but his wife’s endorsement could send a signal. Capuano endorsed Patrick early on in his 2006 gubernatorial campaign.

“Mike and Barbara offered us tremendous support and friendship throughout the course of Deval’s campaign,” Diane Patrick said in a statement. “I am very pleased to have the opportunity to reciprocate with my own endorsement now.”

One of Capuano’s chief rivals in the race, Attorney General Martha Coakley, is trying to become the first female US senator from Massachusetts and has locked up several key endorsements from politically active women.

Diane Patrick is planning to formally endorse Capuano Saturday during his 50th “Open Mike” event, which is being held at the Dedham Community Theater.

Capuano has gotten endorsements from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, former Massachusetts first lady Kitty Dukakis, and former state Representative Marjorie Clapprood.

“Mike has proven leadership on issues important to me such as improving education and fighting to protect our cherished civil liberties,” Diane Patrick said. “Mike’s experience in the House coupled with his passion to fight for what is best for Massachusetts makes him the very best candidate to send to the US Senate. I am proud to endorse Mike today"

“I am truly honored to have her endorsement of my candidacy for US Senate and I am very fortunate to call her a friend,” Capuano said in a statement.

The governor said in a statement that his wife was a "smart, independent woman who makes her own decisions."

"I respect her decision to endorse. But it is hers alone. Officially and personally, I will remain neutral through the Democratic primary. After that, I will work just as hard as I can to ensure that the Democratic nominee is our next U.S. senator," he said.

Matt Viser can be reached at maviser@globe.com.