Democratic gubernatorial candidate Deval Patrick, campaigning with just a few hours remaining before the polls closed, greeted supporters at the Boston Public Library on Boylston Street in Back Bay, where people waved blue signs and chanted "We want Deval."
As Patrick got out of his vehicle surrounded by an entourage, passersby -- many of them clutching library books -- stopped to say hello and shake his hand. One high school student called her mother on a cell phone and said, "He's here. He's here." The student marched up to Patrick and declared, "Boston Public Schools need you."
"Obviously, I want as many votes as we can get and as wide a margin as possible," said Patrick as he shook hands with people in the small crowd. "What we're looking for is affirmation. It is very humbling to see your name on the ballot."
About an hour later, Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino came to the same spot, wearing a dark suit and a "Deval for Governor" button. "I feel Deval will be very fair with everyone," said Menino. "I think he has a vision for the future."
This morning, Patrick and his wife, Diane, held hands as they walked to cast their ballots this morning at St. Mary of the Hills School in Milton.
About 50 supporters waved dark-blue signs for the Democrat. At least a dozen television cameramen and photographers scrambled to get a glimpse of the candidate as well-wishers surrounded the couple.
Patrick, dressed in a dark gray pinstriped suit and an orange tie, waited patiently in line with other voters, shaking hands and thanking supporters.
When his turn came, cameras flashed.
"All right, everybody, here we go," Patrick said, sliding his ballot into the scanning machine as camera shutters clicked.