Candidate Conversations: Deval Patrick

Tonight, gubernatorial candidate Deval Patrick will join his Democratic rivals, venture capitalist Chris Gabrieli and Attorney General Tom Reilly in a live broadcast debate.

While Patrick is a veteran of the political world, having served as Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights in the Clinton Administration, this is his first campaign for political office.

The Milton resident has held executive positions at Coca-Cola and Texaco, positions that make some of his liberal supporters uncomfortable. But Patrick's grassroots campaign and his focus on what he calls "the politics of hope" have propelled him to perceived front-runner status.

Check out WBUR's interview with fellow Democratic candidate Christopher Gabrieli below, and tune in tonight for our live broadcast of the candidate's debate.