Two western Massachusetts lawmakers are thinking about trying their luck at replacing their Senate colleague following Ben Downing’s announcement Monday that he is not seeking reelection.Representatives Smitty Pignatelli of Lenox and Tricia Farley-Bouvier of Pittsfield say they are seriously considering running for the Berkshire, Hampshire, Franklin and Hampden Senate seat held by their fellow Democrat. Both say family is a big part of the decision and praised Downing.
“I would say without hesitation that Ben Downing has been the best state senator that the Berkshires have ever seen,” Pignatelli said. “Flat out. No debate. End of discussion.”
Pignatelli says he will make his decision in a few days while Farley-Bouvier gave no timeline. Area Democrats Gailanne Cariddi and Paul Mark say they are running for reelection to the House. Representatives of local Republican and Green-Rainbow parties had not heard of any members interested in running.
