Patrick Dismisses Criticism Of Out-Of-State Travel

Gov. Deval Patrick is defending his out-of-state travel, saying his upcoming trips aren't comparable to those his predecessor, Republican Mitt Romney, took while laying the groundwork for a White House bid.

Patrick is scheduled to speak March 5 at a Democratic Party dinner in Colorado. He then embarks on a ten-day trade mission to Israel and Britain.

In the spring he plans a tour to promote his book, "A Reason to Believe."

During a monthly appearance on WTKK-FM, Patrick said Thursday that he'll be promoting Massachusetts during his travels.

Asked about Democratic criticism of Romney's travels as governor, Patrick said Romney was out of the state for about two-thirds of his final year in office and that he often criticized Massachusetts while appealing to potential Republican supporters.