Taxes: make it or break it for Patrick

BOSTON (AP) - This week, Governor Patrick signed the first sales tax hike in 33 years. In a state once derided as "Taxachusetts," the 25 percent increase could be politically devastating.

But Patrick signed the bill with confidence. He believes much of his work leading up to the signing ceremony will help him against potential 2010 challengers.

Patrick strong-armed his fellow Democrats in the Legislature into passing transportation, ethics and pension overhaul packages in the days before he signed the tax bill.

Patrick's team believes the reforms, combined with prior successes such as a $1 billion package to promote the life sciences industry, give the governor a record to run on.