Mass. GOP To Back Candidates For Governor, Senate

Massachusetts Republicans are using their state party convention in Boston to set the stage and sound themes for the 2014 election.

The delegates are expected to endorse Charlie Baker for governor at Saturday's gathering. The former chief executive of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care was the 2010 GOP nominee for governor, losing in the general election to Democratic Gov. Deval Patrick.

Tea party member Mark Fisher of Shrewsbury is also running for governor and needs support from at least 15 percent of the delegates to earn a spot on the September Republican primary ballot.

Convention delegates also endorsed Hopkinton selectman Brian Herr, who is challenging Democratic U.S. Sen. Edward Markey.

Former state Rep. Karyn Polito was endorsed for lieutenant governor, Winchester attorney John Miller for attorney general and Mike Heffernan of Wellesley for state treasurer.