Patrick and Baker Begin Transition Talks

Democratic Gov. Deval Patrick and the man who will succeed him, Republican Charlie Baker, have met for first time since Baker's narrow election victory over Martha Coakley.

The two huddled privately for about 45 minutes in Patrick's office on Wednesday to discuss the transition of power on Beacon Hill.

Patrick called it a ``good first conversation,'' while the governor-elect described the tenor as ``positive and constructive.''

Patrick won re-election by defeating Baker four years ago, and the governor was often critical of the Republican while campaigning for Coakley in this election. But both men said the campaign was over and it was time to look ahead.

Patrick said among the issues discussed was the ongoing transition to a new health insurance exchange, and the state's plans to deal with any Ebola cases.