BOB SALSBERG, Associated Press
BOSTON (AP) — Gov. Deval Patrick prepared for his last full day in office Wednesday with a schedule of events steeped in tradition, including a ceremonial exchange of gifts with his successor and a “lone walk” down the front steps of the state capitol.
The Democrat, who eschewed seeking a third term but who has not ruled out a future run for higher office, has kept a largely low public profile during his final days in power. On Tuesday, Patrick greeted a stream of well-wishers, including top aides, legislators and other elected officials, during an “open house” in his office, but made no public appearances.
Patrick joined the U.S. transportation secretary on Monday in Somerville to announce funding to extend the MBTA’s Green Line — a longstanding goal of his administration — but much of his other time in recent days appeared to be spent tying up loose ends of government. He swore in several new judges and signed last-minute bills approved by legislators, including one that restricts the placement of prison inmates with mental illness into isolation and another that allows licensed massage therapists to advertise services on television or online.
Republican Gov.-elect Charlie Baker and his wife, Lauren, were scheduled to arrive at the Statehouse in the late afternoon on Wednesday for a private meeting with Patrick and his wife, Diane.
The meeting was to be followed by the exchange of four traditional symbols between outgoing and incoming chief executives: The original Pewter Key to the door of the governor’s office; The Butler Bible, so named because it was first left by Gov. Benjamin Butler to his successor in 1884; The Governor’s Gavel, dating to 1906 and made from the white oak frame of the original U.S.S. Constitution; and a two-volume copy of Massachusetts General Statutes, dating to 1860.
Patrick will then begin his ceremonial exit from the Statehouse, stopping periodically within the building to greet a variety of people including staff, military veterans, clergy members and community leaders.
He’ll leave the through the rarely-used central doors and descend the front steps in the “lone walk” that also dates to Butler’s 1884 departure. After pausing on the second landing for the playing of the National Anthem and a 19-gun salute, Patrick will continue to the bottom of the steps where he planned to greet other guests before driving off.
Even then, Patrick will still be governor — his term does not expire until Baker is sworn in at noon on Thursday. As was the case with most other departing governors, Patrick was not planning to attend his successor’s inauguration, according to a spokeswoman.
While Patrick defeated Baker in 2010 and supported Democrat Martha Coakley in the most recent election, he has repeatedly expressed a commitment to a smooth transition to the new Republican administration.
The state’s first black governor, Patrick has not yet revealed any specific plans upon leaving office, beyond a return to the private sector.
He has ruled out seeking the White House in 2016, but has acknowledged that he might consider a presidential bid in the future.
