The Associated Press is reporting that Deval Patrick, the former Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights in the Clinton Administration will announce his candidacy for the 2006 Democratic nomination for governor of Massachusetts today.

Patrick, like former U.S. Labor Secretary Robert Reich, (who came in second in the Democratic primary in 2002), plans to run as a progressive outsider. Although it could be an uphill battle to become known, raise funds and to compete with Attorney General Tom Reilly, who has twice won statewide office, and has raised over $2 million, Patrick has his strengths as a candidate as well. As David A. Mitchell Jr., a columnist at The Patriot-Ledger wrote recently about Patrick and his prospective campaign:

“As President Kennedy put it about himself, ‘The torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans.’”

“It is the sense of a fair prince arrived in the presence of tired men and tired ideas, with new inspiration. Patrick is articulate, friendly and relaxed, but serious. I expect him to be an effective phenom!”

I recently posted this pre-campaign introduction to Patrick, which touched off a lively debate.

The Deval Patrick campaign web site, is now up and running.

Although his prospective competitors, Reilly and Secretary of the Commonwealth William Galvin have been raising money and for all intents and purposes, running for years, Patrick will be the first announced candidate.

Let the race begin!