Patrick calls for unity

By Christopher Baxter, Globe Correspondent

Governor Deval Patrick, one of the earliest supporters of presumptive Democratic nominee Senator Barack Obama, said today he’s counting on party leaders -- including vanquished rival Senator Hillary Clinton -- to make the November campaign a success.

“This is a contest of ideas and ideals between ourselves on the Democratic side and those on the Republican side,” Patrick told reporters at the State House. “And I think our ideals and our ideas are unified and offer real opportunity for new direction in this country.”

The governor complimented Clinton on the tenacity of her campaign, calling her an extraordinary leader with tremendous support. Patrick said he would await the senator’s next move.

“I hope she will come in and be an active part of the campaign and encourage her supporters to be a part of the campaign and to heal,” he said.

A large part of Clinton’s support came from white, working-class voters, one of many groups Obama will need to reach if he expects to win in the fall, Patrick said.

“He has to go out and introduce himself to all voters and encourage them to see a common stake in a common cause,” he said. “It’s time for us to appeal to each other as citizens and as fellow members of an American cause.”