Patrick Avoids Comment On Cahill Party Change

Gov. Deval Patrick says he's sorry to see the Democrats lose a member but doesn't have much else to say about Treasurer Timothy Cahill becoming an independent and possible gubernatorial challenger next year.

The governor said Tuesday the Democrats have to be about "appealing to and reaching out to everybody."

Patrick says he's reserving any further comment until the political season begins - even though he's holding a pair of re-election fundraisers in Washington on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The two-term treasurer has decided to switch his voter registration from Democrat to unenrolled. That would let him avoid a primary fight against Patrick and proceed directly to the November 2010 general election ballot.

Convenience store magnate Christy Mihos is already seeking the Republican nomination and health care executive Charles Baker is considering a run, as well.