The Fourth District seat, which reaches from Newton all the way down to Fall River and back up to Hopkinton, will be open at the end of this term following the retirement from 16-term Congressman Barney Frank. 

Patch reached out to the campaigns for all six candidates vying for a shot at the Fourth District seat to see where they stand with endorsements so far. Below is a round-up of who is supporting who:

Republicans

Elizabeth Childs

In her recent debate appearance on New England Cable News, Brookline resident Elizabeth Childs noted her recent endorsements from former Massachusetts Governors Bill Weld and Jane Swift as well as former Lt. Gov. Kerry Healy. Willing to work across the aisle, Childs said during the debate that she "is the only Republican in this race with a chance to win in November."

According to her campaign, Childs has been endorsed by the following: 

• Gov. Bill Weld
• Gov. Jane Swift
• Lt. Gov. Kerry Healey
• Gov. Christine Todd Whitman
• Past GOP Chair Jennifer Nassour
• Republican National Committeewoman Jody Dow

Sean Bielat

Bielat, who is taking his second shot at the Fourth District seat, has not announced any major endorsements for his second run at the Fourth District seat, but his campaign tells Patch that there are "a number of endorsements coming soon." 

Back in March, the Citizens United Political Victory Fund endorsed Bielat, saying in a press release that Bielat had "courage" to take on Barney Frank in 2010 and "that same courage will push him over the top this time against the Kennedy machine."

Wednesday night Bielat was described as the "best candidate" by Ken Weismantel, Chariman of the Hopkinton Republican Town Committee.

David Steinhof

David Steinhof, a Fall River dentist, noted in his statement to Patch that he has "the full support of the ADA PAC" and has been endorsed by the "Mildred Fay Jefferson" Fourth Congressional District Chapter of the Massachusetts Republican Assembly. 

Just this week, Steinhof was also chosen as a Massachusetts Tea Party favorite for the Fourth Congressional District, according to a press release from the Steinhof campaign.  

Democrats

Joe Kennedy III

With 20 days to go until the primary, Kennedy is the only Democrat with any official endorsements.In addition to an endorsement from Newton Mayor Setti Warren, Kennedy has received official support from eight organizations including the Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Teachers Association and, most recently, the Human Rights Campaign.

A list of Kennedy's endorsements so far, according to his campaign: 

• Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts
• Mass Nurses Association
• Mass Teachers Association
• Planned Parenthood
• Human Rights Campaign
• Stonewall Democrats
• Mass AFL-CIO
• SEIU State Council

Herb Robinson

In an email sent to Patch this week, Newton Democrat Herb Robinson said he has not received any official endorsements in the race.

Robinson noted, though, that he makes a point to respond to any candidate questionnaires that are sent is way and attends any interview requests.

Rachel Brown

Rachel Brown, who also ran in 2010, is part of the LaRouche PAC and its "National Slate" of Democrats for Congress. 

Brown's campaign told Patch this week that they have not yet received any endorsements for the Fourth Congressional District race.

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