Western Mass Senate Debate

The focus of the state's special U.S. Senate race is shifting to western Massachusetts this week. On Tuesday, Republican Gabriel Gomez and Democrat Edward Markey face off in Springfield for a debate that is expected to include questions key to the western region of the state. The match-up will be the second for the two candidates, who are hoping to fill the Senate seat left vacant by the resignation of John Kerry. A final debate sponsored by a consortium of Boston media outlets will be held on June 18. The election is June 25.