The contributions make up a portion of the $72,500 Healey raised from 20 different donors to celebrate the official start of her second term on Jan. 16.  

It was the city councilor’s first request for a City Council hearing, and afterward she said the remarkable show of support had her beaming. 

Current and former elected officials have wide leeway in spending their campaign funds under state law, as long as the expenditures go toward “the enhancement of the [person’s] political future.” 

A film crew has been following Suffolk County’s new district attorney, Rachael Rollins, often to public events but also during more private moments.  

Karen Spilka disclosed to state ethics regulators that her son works at Boston-based fantasy sports company DraftKings.  

Elizabeth Warren’s presidential exploratory committee’s website includes a questionnaire for visitors to say why they don’t support her.  

“I am shocked,” said state Representative Jim Lyons of Andover, a conservative who had toyed with the idea of seeking the post but deferred to Diehl. 

When state lawmakers rammed a bill into law last year giving them and other elected officials hefty pay hikes, Governor Charlie Baker was unequivocal in his disapproval.  

Diehl said Wednesday that he’s been encouraged by several people to seek the post, which has wide sway over the state Republican Party’s direction, fund-raising, and priorities. 

WBUR, the Globe, and UMass Boston hosted a debate Thursday on the lesser-known ballot initiative.