Downing, who represents more than 50 cities and towns in four counties across Western Massachusetts, announced earlier this year he would not run for re-election.

Downing, who represents more than 50 cities and towns in four counties across Western Massachusetts, announced earlier this year he would not run for re-election.
by: Henry Epp
The Massachusetts unemployment rate is at its lowest level in 15 years, but recently we’ve seen budget cuts and state employee buyouts. So what’s going on with the state budget?
Democrat Adam Hinds of Pittsfield and Republican Christine Canning of Lanesborough are vying for the seat currently held by Ben Downing, who is stepping down after a decade.
Hinds won a three-way primary Thursday for the Massachusetts state Senate seat that covers parts of the four westernmost counties .
There are three contested Democratic state representative races along with one state Senate primary in western Massachusetts.
The House unveils its budget, Baker signs the solar bill, plus: the ten-year anniversary of RomneyCare.