by Carrie Tian, policy intern

NEWS:

• President Obama campaigns in Massachusetts today to support Rep. Markey’s Senatorial bid, the latest in a string of high-profile campaigners including Joe Biden, Boston Mayor Tom Menino, and Michelle Obama. A leading Republican speculates that the Dems are pulling out the big guns out of desperation, or else they wouldn’t be squandering the time of these officials. (The Hill)
• Meanwhile, campaign trackers note the absence of activity by major Republican super PACS in the Massachusetts special election. Gabriel Gomez is being outspent by Markey at a pace of 3 to 1, a marked contrast from when conservative ads flooded the state for the 2010 and 2012 Senatorial elections (Roll Call)
• Mayor Bloomberg sends a letter today urging hundreds of New York’s biggest liberal donors not to contribute to the four Democratic Senators who opposed the April bill to strengthen background checks on gun buyers. Those four Senators have raised a combined $2.2 million from New York, so Bloomberg’s letter could inadvertently strengthen the Senate’s Republican majority. (New York Times)
• Though government innovation challenges succeed at getting entrepreneurs interested in state issues, their impact is often fleeting. A survey of apps that won competitions in Kenya found that most had stopped being developed shortly after those competitions concluded. (Tech President)
• The DOE flagged $450,000 in payments to the contracting company controlled by former New Mexico Rep. Heather Wilson. Inspections showed that the payments failed to provide the mandated information on the scope and nature of the work performed. (POLITICO)

TODAY:

• Nomination of Davita Vance-Cooks, of Virginia, to be the Public Printer. Senate Rules and Appropriations. 10:00 a.m. Room TBA. Live webcast.