Gov. Deval Patrick's offer to shelter unaccompanied children crossing the nation's southern border is drawing a range of reactions from those hoping to fill his job.

The three Democratic candidates for governor _ Martha Coakley, Donald Berwick and Steve Grossman _ have all praised Patrick for responding to a humanitarian crisis.

Republican candidate Charlie Baker said states should work with the federal government to help provide emergency assistance, but Massachusetts shouldn't become the ``steward or the financier'' of services. He said the federal government must be more forthcoming about how the program will work, how it will be funded and how the children will be cared for.

Independent candidate Jeff McCormick said he opposes Massachusetts hosting the children from Central America, saying the state already faces a host of fiscal and social challenges.

More From WBSM-AM/AM 1420