Gov. Patrick tells union leaders he is pro-labor

Patrick said he will pursue policies that will benefit the state as a whole, not just the interests of unions, but that his focus on education, healthcare, and support for the unemployed had helped working families during hard economic times.

"With us, your voice, your needs, your concerns will be heard," Patrick said. "Work with us, and we will all win."

Patrick is locked in a tight race with two challengers, Republican Charles D. Baker, the former CEO of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and independent Timothy P. Cahill, the state treasurer. The latest polls suggest that Patrick is running slightly ahead of Baker, with Cahill a distant third.

The three candidates, along with Green-Rainbow party candidate Jill Stein, are facing off in a televised debate tomorrow night at 7 p.m. on WBZ-TV.

Cahill attended the breakfast in downtown Boston, but was not among the invited speakers. Baker attended a labor day breakfast in Worcester, which was sponsored by the city's Republican committee.

Patrick received strong union support when he was elected four years ago but has raised labor's ire by supporting civilian flaggers and opposing plans to allow slot machines at race tracks. Unions believe the slot parlors would have created badly needed jobs at a time of high unemployment.

Patrick, who supports the licensing of three resort casinos, urged lawmakers to revisit the issue.

"The Legislature should come back and finish this work," he said to applause. "Let's get it done."

Despite clashing with labor leaders, Patrick enjoyed clear support in the overwhelmingly Democratic audience, with many wearing his campaign stickers.