Fitzpatrick to be ProJo's new political columnist

UPDATE: Comment from Fitzpatrick.

Ed returned my call a short time ago, calling his new role "a big honor, a big responsibility." In a reference to Bakst, he said, "I've got to find some suspenders. I've got big suspenders to fill."

Fitzpatrick was born in Providence and grew up in Greenville. He is a Mount St. Charles graduate.

Following the departure of Scott MacKay, Fitzpatrick has the impression that he may have been the lone suitor for the political columnist role. Citing how management has yet to announce the move, he declined to talk about his plan for approaching the position.

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After months of speculation about whether the Providence Journal will continue the political columnist position formerly held by M. Charles Bakst, word around the newsroom is that court beat reporter Edward Fitzpatrick has gotten the nod. He could start as soon as next week.

Here's Fitzpatrick's ProJo bio, circa 2004:

Edward Fitzpatrick covers courts for The Providence Journal, after a stint at the newspaper's State House bureau. He previously worked in the Johnston bureau, where he was bureau manager. Ed came to The Journal from The Hartford Courant, where he covered that state's overcrowded prison system. Before that, he was an investigative reporter at The Times Union in Albany, N.Y. and city editor at The Saratogian in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. At Syracuse University, Ed studied journalism and political science.

Fitzpatrick couldn't immediately be reached for comment. I'll post an update if and when he responds.

Ed's a very good reporter, and he can be expected to do very well in this role.