Republican Christine Canning recently announced her bid for a western Massachusetts state senate seat. Democrat Ben Downing said in January that he is retiring after 10 years representing the Berkshire, Franklin, Hampshire and Hampden district.Thomas Wallace of Pittsfield has also taken out nominating papers for the Republican nomination. Adam Hinds and Andrea Harrington are campaigning for the seat, while fellow Democrat Rinaldo del Gallo has pulled nominating papers, but is still considering a full-out run.
Canning, of Lanesborough, spoke with WAMC about why she’s seeking the senate seat.