PITTSFIELD, MA -- "My answer will be, 'Thank you Mr. President for the honor of the request, but I have work to do here in Massachusetts,'" said Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick.
That's his answer to speculation that in November he'll be leaving the State House for the White House. That's if his friend, Senator Barack Obama, wins the Democratic nomination, then the presidency.
"I think Senator Obama will prevail in the end, and I think he's just the right kind of leader we need right now. And I think when it comes to a match-up with McCain in the general election, he will do very well, and I think the Democrats will unite behind him," said Patrick.
Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick was in Berkshire County Friday to talk about economic development. Our Ryan Burgess sat down with the Governor for an interview covering everything from the local economy to presidential politics.
Watch Ryan Burgess' full interview with Governor Deval Patrick.
The Governor is looking for Democrats to unite in November, but for now, he's in town looking for unity in the business community. His administration has designated Pittsfield as one of 16 growth districts across the Commonwealth. That means more state resources can be used to spur new economic growth.
"It recognizes that the regions are different. They have different needs. They present different opportunities for business development and for housing development, and we want to be sensitive to that, and also market those differences. And being able to do that here in Pittsfield and here in the Berkshires is a big part of our agenda," said Patrick.
Although the Governor is looking for new ways to expand the economy, the state still faces a $1.3 billion budget deficit. That's one gap Patrick said he's trying to bridge.
"Well, you know, we have been more than holding our own against the national economy. In a time of uncertainty, we've been growing. We've grown, as you've said, at six times the national rate," said Patrick.
Six times the national rate may be good news for the state, but there are other issues still looming over the legislative branch -- like whether the casino debate is being revived.
"I don't think the issue is going to get relived in this legislative session. The vote in the House was very definitive. It's not about being interested in a compromise. It's about being realistic in this legislative session. I just don't think that is," said Patrick.
It may not be realistic for now, but as the Governor said last week, issues that die in one legislative session, tend to be revived in another.