DC Analysis: Deval Patrick, America’s most unpopular governor

Casino Devale – Patrick locked himself into a political deathmatch with the state legislature over a bill that would have expanded gambling in Massachusetts and allowed for the construction of three casino resorts. The governor ultimately vetoed the legislation over concerns about slot machines at racetracks. His rejection cost the state tens of thousands of jobs and led to the shuttering of the 75-year-old Wonderland greyhound racetrack on the North Shore.

Rainy Day Fund – When Patrick first came to Beacon Hill, Massachusetts’ Rainy Day Fund was more than $2 billion. Almost four years later, the Rainy Day Fund is projected at around $650 million and is drying up quickly. Patrick claims the fund was used to help shore up the economy during the recession. But as the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation has pointed out, Patrick spent $315 million from the Rainy Day Fund in 2008 before the economy tanked.

Tim Cahill – Perhaps the clearest repudiation of Patrick’s policies lies in the fact that his own treasurer is running against him. Cahill was elected state treasurer in 2003, but quickly became discouraged by Massachusetts’ finances, particularly its government-managed health care system. Last year, Cahill formally left the Democratic Party and is now running for governor as a staunch fiscal conservative.

Health care – Cahill has been hammering Patrick on Massachusetts’ state-managed health care system. Although signed into law by former Republican Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, Cahill says problems with the system have exploded under Patrick. Health care costs have skyrocketed uniquely in Massachusetts and would have bankrupted the state were it not for a federal bailout, according to Cahill. Meanwhile small businesses in Massachusetts are dropping health care coverage for their employees thanks to the rising costs. Six hospitals are also suing the state for not reimbursing them on treatment for patients with state health care insurance. Patrick has stood by the system and even said it’s time to have a dialogue about single payer coverage.