Democrats weigh change in state party chairman

Senior Massachusetts Democrats have been meeting to discuss shifting the state party chairmanship from Philip Johnston to Deval Patrick's campaign manager, John Walsh, who they say has the governor's approval for the post.

Johnston could step down as early as next month, clearing the way for Walsh to take over and consolidate control of the state party apparatus under Patrick, top Democrats said. The two men have spoken, but haven't finalized the transition or agreed on timing, according to several sources.

"Anything that happens will be done by the governor to show his respect for Phil and his appreciation for what Phil's leadership has done over the years," said Steve Grossman, a former state and national party chairman who declined to detail private discussions he has had about the matter. "A decision will be made that will honor Phil's service," he said.

Johnston, however, said yesterday that he has no plans to leave his post. "I am the chairman of the party, and my term as chair does not expire until November 2008," said Johnston, a close political ally of US Senator Edward M. Kennedy.

While other leading party members could emerge as contenders, Walsh's close ties to Patrick and popularity within the newly invigorated party contribute to his credentials , Democratic activists said.

Walsh, an Abington insurance salesman credited with nurturing the grassroots enthusiasm Patrick rode to the corner office, is a longtime party activist. As one of the architects of Patrick's victory, after 16 years of Republican rule, Walsh enjoys cult hero status among many of the party faithful.

Democratic operative Stacey Monahan is in line to be the party's next executive director, according to several sources with knowledge of the discussions.

Monahan, a former district director for US Representative Stephen F. Lynch, is well connected in organized labor circles and helped Patrick's campaign last year.

Johnston, a healthcare policy consultant who has led the party since 2000, was criticized after Democrat Shannon O'Brien lost to Mitt Romney in the 2002 gubernatorial election.

But last year, he oversaw party fund-raising that allowed Patrick to air television ads immediately after the September primary, helping to sustain the Democrat's momentum against Republican Kerry Healey.

He was largely muzzled after he said that Healey came "perilously close to race-baiting" and engaged in "fear-mongering at its worst" when she played up her stances against in-state public higher education tuition rates and driver's licenses for illegal immigrants.

"At this point, there is no transition," said Shawn Hartman, the state party's communications director. Hartman declined to comment on the conversations between Johnston and Walsh and said he hadn't spoken to Johnston about his plans.

A vacancy would be filled by a vote among the roughly 370 committee members.

A close ally leading the state party could help Patrick realize his vision of incorporating his grassroots connection s into his governing strategy.

The regime change would also signal a shift, at least symbolically, of the party's figurehead, a position long enjoyed by Kennedy.

Patrick's wide margin of victory, his acclaimed charisma, and his prospects to emerge as a national figure have helped elevate his stature, particularly among younger Democrats.

US Representative James P . McGovern dismissed the idea that Walsh's ascendancy signaled a torch passing between Kennedy and Patrick.

"Both of them are Patrick guys, and both of them are Kennedy guys," the Worcester Democrat said.