The leading candidate for the Democratic nomination for governor of Massachusetts has a plan that could become a model for Democrats nationwide.  Deval Patrick proposes to make alternative and renewable sources of energy the center of his economic program for the state. He envisions Massachusetts as a global leader in the field.  

Patrick is the kind of man who, if elected, will instantly become the standard by which prominent democrats will have to measure themselves as to how serious they are about everything from global warming to reducing dependence on foriegn oil. No matter what angle from which you look at it, this is a bold propositition -- but Patrick is just the guy to do it.

Patrick, like few leaders for any office in my experience, is willing to embrace bold ideas and necessary new directions and go about it in eminently practical ways. And in this instance, he has particularly unusual credentials: He is a former oil company executive who is a clear-eyed advocate for the development of the alternative energy business, and making state government a dynamic engine for driving the marketplace for alternative and renewable energy.