CANTON, Mass. — The Massachusetts Nurses Association/National Nurses United, the largest union of registered nurses and health professionals in the commonwealth, on Tuesday announced that it has endorsed U.S. Rep. Stephen Lynch for U.S. Senate in the Massachusetts special election.

"Our endorsement of Congressman Lynch was based on his outstanding record of supporting a number of issues important to frontline nurses in Massachusetts, including his longstanding support for Federal and state legislation to require safe RN-to-patient staffing limits for nurses in acute care hospitals, safer working conditions for nurses, and access to quality health care for all in America," said MNA/NNU President Donna Kelly-Williams, a registered nurse.

"Nurses have also seen firsthand how the economy has affected our patients, friends and family through the loss of jobs, their homes and their retirement savings," Kelly-Williams added. "As a former iron worker and president of the Iron Workers Union, Lynch's record on issues important to labor and working families is beyond dispute, and includes his commitment to supporting a progressive agenda to create jobs with living wages, provide quality housing, education and a secure retirement for all."  

MNA board member Kathy Metzger said she remembered Lynch's tireless efforts to support nurses at Brockton Hospital when they were on strike in 2001 for 104 days to win improvements in registered nurse staffing levels and an end to what the union said was the dangerous practice of mandatory overtime for nurses.  

"Steve Lynch was with us every day of that strike, supporting us on the picket line and as an elected leader using his power and influence to stand up for nurses and patients. He has continued that support for the last decade, and in the Senate, he would continue that work, not only for nurse, but also for all workers who are struggling in this economy."

"I am incredibly grateful to have the backing of the Massachusetts Nurses Association," said Lynch, who respresents the 8th District. "I have walked with nurses on the picket line, and supported them in the halls of the State House and the Capitol Building. Their efforts not only improve working conditions at hospitals and other health care settings, but also improve patient safety and quality of care. I am honored to have their support in this campaign, and I will continue to fight on their behalf in the U.S. Senate."

Lynch has also expressed support for the MNA/NNU's call for a "Robin Hood Tax," a small tax on the risky Wall Street financial transactions that would raise billions of dollars each year to support initiatives to rebuild the middle class, while curtailing reckless trading practices.

BOSTON – The Senate campaigns of U.S. Reps. Stephen Lynch and Edward Markey announced on Monday that they have reached agreement on a framework for six debates across the commonwealth of Massachusetts.

The congressmen are running for the Democratic nomination in the special election to fill the Senate seat of Secretary of State John Kerry. The primary is April 30.

The agreement calls for three public, general issue debates in Boston, Worcester and Springfield, as well as debates on jobs and the economy, domestic policy and foreign policy. Debates will also be held in Lowell and New Bedford, with the sixth location to be determined. Debate hosts have not been finalized, but are expected to include local media consortiums.

The Berkshire News Network in Pittsfield has offered to host one of the debates to be broadcast across Berkshire County.

"I am glad that we have reached agreement on debates and look forward to getting started as soon as possible," said Lynch in a statement. "While I would be happy to debate more frequently, the reality is that we have nine weeks left in this election, and both Ed and I have to spend time in Washington trying to fix the budget mess. So I think this debate schedule makes sense given the tight timeframe of the election."

"This agreement ensures we will debate the issues that are most important to Massachusetts in regions throughout the commonwealth," said Markey, also in a statement. "Voters deserve to hear in-depth debates on the issues facing the state and the nation, and I look forward to scheduling these as soon as possible."

Both campaigns will be working out specific dates and details with various media outlets.

Feb. 8: Due to the impending storm, the Pittsfield caucuses (excluding Ward 5) has been rescheduled for March 2.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Democrats will hold caucuses in their respective wards to elect delegates to the Massachusetts Democratic Party's 2013 Platform Convention to be held June 1 July 13 at the Tsongas Center at University of Massachusetts in Lowell. All registered Democrats in Pittsfield wards 1 through 6 are eligible. 

► Ward 1 – 2 p.m., Sat. March 2, Back Nine Bar and Grille, 303 Crane Ave.

► Ward 2 – 2 p.m., Sat. March 2, Kennedy IUE/CWE Union Hall, 789 Tyler St.

► Ward 3 – 2 p.m., Sat. March 2, DelGallo’s Restaurant, 390 Newell St.

► Ward 4 – 2 p.m., Sat. March 2, Miss Hall’s School, 492 Holmes Rd.

► Ward 5 – Noon, Sat. March 2, American Legion, 41 Wendell Ave.

► Ward 6 – 2 p.m., Sat. March 2, Polish Community Club, 55 Linden St.

U.S. Rep. Edward Markey

The public reception for to U.S. Rep. Edward Markey has been rescheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 19, from 5 to 7 at Itam Lodge in Pittsfield.

Update: The reception for Rep. Markey has been postponed because of Friday's snowstorm to a date to be announced later.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Brigades is sponsoring a reception for U.S. Rep. Edward Markey on Friday, Feb. 8, from 5 to 7 at Itam Lodge. The reception is free and open to the public.

Markey, 66, formally announced his intention to run for the U.S. Senate seat that had been held by John Kerry, who was confirmed as secretary of state last week.

The Malden Democrat has served in Congress for 36 years, representing the 7th Massachusetts District, and was elected to the 5th District last year after redistricting.

U.S. Rep. Stephen F. Lynch of South Boston, who served for 12 years representing the 9th District before being elected in the 8th District last year, has also announced for the Democratic nomination. So far, no Republican nominee has come forward. The last day to submit nomination papers is Feb. 27.

The primary is scheduled for April 30 and the special election for June 25.

BOSTON — Gov. Deval Patrick appointed William "Mo" Cowan as interim U.S. Senator, filling the seat left vacant by U.S. Sen. John Kerry. Patrick also announced that the special election to fill Kerry's seat will be held on June 25.