BOSTON — 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 one-hour debate is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. at the studios of WGBY-TV and will be broadcast live.
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.
The first debate was held at WBZ-TV in Boston and was co-sponsored by the Boston Globe.
A final debate sponsored by a consortium of Boston media outlets will be held at WGBH-TV on June 18.
The election is June 25.
