Patrick speech set at convention

Governor Deval Patrick of Massachusetts will get a speaking role at the Democratic National Convention’s second night, joining a growing roster of party heavyweights, party officials announced this afternoon.

Patrick, one of Barack Obama’s closest surrogates, will be among those speaking about strengthening the middle class and will “share how Obama’s policies have been directly shaped by the people he has met as he traveled the country.”

Patrick campaigned for Obama in the key early voting states of Iowa and South Carolina, and they borrowed from each other’s rhetorical flourishes.

There has been speculation that Patrick, a former US assistant attorney general for civil rights, might join an Obama administration or even seek a Supreme Court appointment, but he has said he plans to seek reelection as governor.

Also set to speak on Tuesday, Aug. 26 are former Governor Mark Warner of Virginia, who will give the keynote address; Hillary Clinton, who will give the “headliner” prime-time speech; Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius and Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano, both early supporters of Obama; Governors Ted Strickland of Ohio and Ed Rendell of Pennsylvania, both supporters of Clinton; and Governor Brian Schweitzer of Montana and Federico Peña, former Mayor of Denver and Secretary of both Energy and Transportation, who will speak about energy and the economy.

BOSTON — Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick has landed a speaking slot at the Democratic National Convention.

The state’s first black governor will address delegates on Aug. 26, the same night Hillary Rodham Clinton will speak. Her speech coincides with the 88th anniversary of a woman’s right to vote.

Patrick endorsed eventual nominee Barack Obama over Clinton in the Democratic primary fight, and he has been mentioned as a member of a potential Obama administration.

The governor said he looks forward to seeking re-election in 2010.

The governor has been serving on the convention’s Platform Committee. He said in a statement that he is honored to play a part in a gathering with such historic connotations.

Obama is poised to become the first black nominee of a major political party.