The AP on Bay State politics in 2008.

For Patrick, 2008 was a year when lofty goals like overhauling the state's education system and reinventing the state's economy ran headlong into the nation's recession, forcing him to make one round of emergency budget cuts and casting a shadow over the state's fiscal future for the coming year.

A $1-per-pack hike in the cigarette tax and a series of increases in businesses taxes estimated to bring in up to $500 million a year failed to make up for plummeting tax revenues, forcing Patrick in October to close a $1.4 billion budget hole with cuts, the elimination of 1,000 state jobs and $200 million from the state rainy day fund.

"Just like families all across the commonwealth, state government is feeling the pinch," the governor said.

As the year ticked down, the fiscal news grew more dire, with predictions of another $750 million hole in the budget and possible cuts to local aid to cities and towns.

Despite the gloom, Gov. Patrick had reasons to celebrate. He signed into law a series of key initiatives — including the centerpiece of his economic recovery plan, a 10 year, $1 billion investment in life sciences. He also won approval for a $3 billion bridge repair bill.

UPDATE: More from Red Mass Group.