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Patrick Considered Quitting Early In First Term

BOSTON (CBS/AP) - Gov. Deval Patrick considered resigning just weeks after he was first elected in 2007 as his wife battled depression.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Carl Stevens reports

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Patrick writes in his soon to be released memoir "A Reason to Believe" that his wife, Diane, weeping and unable to sleep, had been admitted to a psychiatric hospital and the couple was dreading four years in the public eye.

There were reportedly moments when his wife asked him to quit, and Patrick explained why the couple chose to see things through.

WBZ-TV's Karen Anderson reports.

"Ultimately, we decided together that I would continue as governor, and it was for the best. If I had resigned, it would have appeared as if the pressures had forced Diane into the hospital and me out of office," he wrote.

Patrick was re-elected to a second term in November.

In an uncorrected proof obtained by The Boston Globe, Patrick also reveals that he failed the bar exam twice, and that he and his wife were rejected by The Country Club in Brookline.

Most of the book dwells on his early life and his rise from poverty on the South Side of Chicago.

He also discusses his friendship with President Barack Obama.

WBZ's Jon Keller discusses the Patrick news.

Patrick was asked about the book by reporters at an event Wednesday.

"I'm still a man," he said. "There's really nothing really about being Governor that immunizes you or should immunize you from the rest of life."

"My family comes first.   I'm honored to have this job.   I love doing it.  Even on the hardest day, it's a privilege.  but my family comes first."

Will Patrick ever run for president?

"Oh gracious no...I support this president and I'm going to do what I can to get him reelected," said Gov. Patrick. "My next thing after this is, first of all, to finish these four years, and then go back to the private sector, which is where I've spent most of my career."

His book is due out April 12.

(TM and © Copyright 2010 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2010 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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