By CHRIS COLLINS
(undated) – A former Western Mass. State senator is ending his bid to become the next governor of Massachusetts. Former Berkshire-Franklin Senator Ben Downing says he is dropping out of the race primarily due to a lack of funding. He has not yet endorsed any other candidate. The Democratic field includes Harvard Professor Danielle Allen, Shrewsbury businessman Orlando Silva and State Senator Sonia Chang-Diaz. Attorney General Maura Healey is also apparently considering a run, but has not made a final decision as yet.