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NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts PAC says it is planning to endorse Democrat Jay Gonzalez over the Republican incumbent, arguing that it’s looking for a more forceful advocate for abortion rights and family planning in the corner office. Gena Frank, the groups’ legislative and political director, said its nonpartisan PAC views Gonzalez as a “bold champion” who stood with the organization at a rally Monday demanding that Brett Kavanaugh, President Trump’s Supreme Court nominee, withdraw amid sexual assault allegations, including a claim he attempted to assault a woman, Christine Blasey Ford, more than three decades ago when they were both teenagers. (Stout, 9/25)

When it comes to political issues, health care is one that many consumers feel strongly about. Health care is a big part of almost everyone’s life, so it’s often a key issue in political races. This will likely be true in Tennessee’s upcoming governor’s race, where Republican Bill Lee will face off against Democrat Karl Dean in November. Further, because Tennessee consistently falls in the top 10 unhealthiest states, this is an issue with particular relevance. (Tolbert, 9/24)

As the lawsuit comes into play in races across the country, Nelson’s campaign has seized on it as perhaps its best bet at victory. Focusing on protections for pre-existing conditions — one of the most popular provisions of Obama’s landmark health law — Nelson has framed the lawsuit as his opponent’s attempt to wrench health care away from Texas’ most vulnerable residents. (Platoff, 9/25)

Massachusetts’ health care watchdog agency on Monday said that it is studying the cost implications of a state ballot question to regulate nurse staffing in hospitals, in the first independent study of the controversial proposal. Officials at the Health Policy Commission revealed they have been analyzing the issue for several weeks and plan to release their findings at a public meeting on Oct. 3. (Dayal McCluskey, 9/24)

Massachusetts voters are evenly split over a ballot question about mandatory staffing levels for nurses, according to a WBUR-MassINC Polling Group poll. ...Advocates of new nursing regulations say nurses want to limit their numbers of assigned patients. Opponents claim nurses are actually on their side — and don't want a new law to dictate staffing levels. (Borchers, 9/25)