Saying that Democratic Congressman Seth Moulton “has never wavered in his support for our members,” the Massachusetts Teamsters union announced it endorses his bid for U.S. Senate.

“When our members at Republic Services were on strike fighting for their jobs and the future of their families, Seth Moulton was right there with them every step of the way,” said Teamsters Local 25 President Thomas G. Mari, who also leads Teamsters Joint Council 10 that represents the local unions in New England. “Seth understands that good jobs, fair pay, and respect for working people are the foundation of a strong economy. Our members know that Seth Moulton will bring those values with him to the U.S. Senate.”

Moulton, 46, the Iraq War veteran who represents the Salem area in the U.S. Congress, announced in October that he was challenging 79-year-old fellow Democrat and incumbent Sen. Ed Markey for the seat.

In their endorsement statement, the state Teamsters say their 20,000 union members and families “praised Moulton for walking picket lines and standing shoulder-to-shoulder with members during last year’s prolonged strike against Republic services.”

— Flint McColgan

Shortsleeve picks up new endorsements

GOP gubernatorial candidate Brian Shortsleeve has picked up two new endorsements from Massachusetts lawmakers.

State Reps Joe McKenna (R-18th Worcester) and Donnie Berthiaume (R- 5th Worcester) delcared their endorsements for Shortsleeve’s candidacy on Thursday, crediting him for his experience on Beacon Hill and what they call his “backbone” and ability to take on Gov. Maura Healey in November. They also highlighted his dedication to lowering costs for Massachusetts residents, businesses and ratepayers.

“Massachusetts is at a breaking point. Families are paying more for housing, energy, and taxes while Beacon Hill keeps growing government and dodging accountability. Brian Shortsleeve is the only candidate in this race with the backbone to take on the political class that created this mess and the real-world experience to fix it. That’s why I’m proud to support him,” said Berthiaume.

“A majority of MA voters know that Beacon Hill is out of touch with the people it’s supposed to serve, We need a Governor that not only has the experience, intelligence, and work ethic to tackle the hard problems facing our families, but who also is relatable with the passion to connect with people from all backgrounds to really know and understand what those issues are. I firmly believe that Brian Shortsleeve is that leader,” added McKenna.

Shortsleeve will face off in the September primary election against fellow candidates Mike Kennealy and Mike Minogue.

— Tim Dunn

Norfolk DA candidate at BLM charity fraudster sentencing

Former federal prosecutor Adam Deitch, who left the Boston U.S. Attorney’s office to run for Norfolk District Attorney, made an appearance at the sentencing hearing for BLM charity fraudster Monica Cannon-Grant Thursday.

“The candidate arrives,” Cannon-Grant defense attorney George Vien said ahead of the hearing when he spotted Deitch at the back of the room. “I thought you’d be too busy running for office to be here.”

Deitch, who had prosecuted the case along with Assistant U.S. Attorney Dustin Chao before leaving to announce his DA candidacy, replied: “Wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

One of Cannon-Grant’s supporters seated in the courtroom called it “an awkward statement.”

Cannon-Grant pleaded guilty to 18 of the 27 indicted charges against her. The indictment against her and her late husband, Clark Grant, asserted three distinct fraud conspiracies: personal use of donations to their Black Lives Matter charity Violence in Boston, misuse of public funds including the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program, and fraud related to the mortgage on the couple’s Taunton home.

U.S. District Court Judge Angel Kelley declined to sentence Cannon-Grant to any prison time, citing similar fraud cases that also amounted to no incarceration, and instead sentenced her to six months home confinement and four years of probation. Prosecutors had sought one-and-a-half years in prison while defense attorneys sought two years probation.

Longtime Norfolk DA Michael Morrissey announced earlier this month that he will not be running for reelection after his support plummeted amid the Karen Read murder trials. Read was last June acquitted of all charges, save for drunken driving, related to the murder of her Boston Police officer boyfriend, John O’Keefe.

“I wish DA Morrissey only the best as he moves on and I’m excited about the opportunity for positive change and accountability in the DA’s office,” Deitch said upon Morrissey’s announcement. “Norfolk County deserves a new, credible, outside perspective to restore faith and confidence and build a DA’s Office defined by fairness, integrity, and professionalism.

— Flint McColgan

Pols & Politics logo (Boston Herald)
Gubernatorial candidate Brian Shortsleeve (Stuart Cahill/Boston Herald)
Adam Deitch (Photo courtesy Deitch campaign)