Notes on a (not-so-big) scandal...

If there's one thing Massachusetts political spectators love, it's watching the new guy struggle. From Democrats to Republicans, urbanites to farm dwellers, new voters to seasoned veterans, whether they hate them or love them, there is something that Massachusetts residents relish about the political struggle. That being said, newly-inaugurated governor Deval Patrick is putting on one great performance for his audience.

As a new player in the Massachusetts political game and a man with a strong background in big-money business, Governor Patrick seems to have missed the memo that being governor of the Commonwealth is a lot less about the "Benjamins" and a lot more about the "Bay State." One would think that he got the idea after being berated for his purchase of $10,000 damask drapes for his office and his lease of a $500/month luxury SUV. He immediately made public statements apologizing and promising to pay the taxpayers back for his seemingly excessive spending. It was a rookie mistake, and onlookers took the opportunity to hassle him, but Patrick didn't seem to let it get the best of him. His next error, however, seemed far more egregious.

In a move that is more than acceptable in the business world, Governor Patrick made a call to Citigroup on behalf of a friend at Ameriquest, which is currently seeking financial support from Citigroup. Asking favors of friends in the business world is not something you do when you are Governor of Massachusetts (although a look into the Commonwealth's history would suggest that some previous governors would disagree). It's a luxury the governor gave up as soon as a he swore the oath at inauaguration. A quick call to the state ethics committee would have told Patrick that this was the wrong move to make, but no one in the administration thought that far ahead. STRIKE TWO. The governor was quick to apologize for his latest transgression but still seemed to be struggling with the transition into the world of the "24-hour governor." Luckily, his qualifications and seeming desire to do right are helping him protect himself.

As a man who strived for perfection in his gubernatorial race, Deval Patrick seems to be having a tough time comprehending the rules and regulations (both legal and societal) that come with being governor of Massachusetts, a state where politics falls right below the Red Sox on the list of vital necessities. Hopefully, by creating a sturdier staff and watching where he steps for a while, Patrick will prove to be more than an ignorant rookie. This is no Watergate yet, but if this new governor is wise, he'll be on his toes because in Massachusetts politics your hardest critics are often the ones that gave you the most support, and he sure did have a lot of support...