BostonGlobe.com Political Headlines - February 27, 2013

• Mass. defense industry on hold as cuts near: Defense contractors are already laying off employees and putting new projects on hold because of uncertainty over the federal budget. Globe technology reporter Michael B. Farrell details.

• Both parties to have spirited Senate primaries: A three-way Republican battle and a fight between two seasoned Democratic congressmen is slated for the Mass. Senate race. Globe State House bureau chief Frank Phillips reports.

• John Kerry revisits childhood days in Berlin stop: The secretary of state held a town hall meeting in the foreign country where he spent time as a child. Globe Washington bureau reporter Matt Viser covers.

• Connolly launches run for mayor with school plea: Under Mayor Menino, city Councilor John Connolly said, a school system top-heavy with administrators has fallen short. Globe politics reporter Andrew Ryan elaborates.

• Connolly a tough challenge for Mayor Menino: City Councilor John Connolly's bid for the Boston mayor's office may not be a fool's errand. Globe columnist Scot Lehigh explains.

• Why are Democrats still obsessed with Citizens United?: The case didn't cost President Obama the November election or Democrats control of the Senate. All it did was make political contests livelier, noisier, and more robust. Globe columnist Jeff Jacoby writes.

• Veteran snared in federal budget battle: John MacPherson is an 86-year-old World War II veteran with a problem, one that Washington isn't helping this week. Globe metro columnist Adrian Walker outlines.