Senate hopefuls spar over spending pledge

BOSTON (AP) -- Republican U.S. Senate hopeful Gabriel Gomez and his Democratic rival Edward Markey are wasting little time lobbing attacks at each other after securing their party's nominations.

Gomez quickly rejected calls by Markey to sign a pledge to limit spending by outside groups on television, radio and Internet ads during the special election campaign.

Gomez said Markey has spent decades in Congress building a war chest of outside special-interest money and benefited from outside groups during the primary.

Markey warned that without a pledge, Republican-aligned groups will pour millions into the race in the hopes of winning back a seat in the Senate.

Gomez spent the morning greeting commuters in South Boston while Markey joined with other Democrats, including primary rival Stephen Lynch at a unity breakfast.

The special election is June 25.

Cox Media Group