Mass. Gov. Deval Patrick says 'maybe' to presidential bid

Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick is cracking the door open to a presidential bid -- someday.

"Maybe, maybe," the Democrat told Politico when asked if he sees himself as a national candidate.

That's a big deal for Patrick, who previously dismissed chatter  about a 2016 White House bid. The former Justice Department civil rights chief -- and friend of President Obama -- has been reluctant about running for president because of the impact on his family.

Patrick told Politico that any decision about a White House bid would have to be made with his wife of 30 years, Diane. "She's a tough one to convince," Patrick is quoted as saying.

Patrick is not running for a third term as governor. His profile was raised nationally during the Boston Marathon bombings, often appearing on TV for briefings and updates during the crisis.