In today’s Finance Roundup, Chris Gabrieli speaks out on investing and public policy, Data Domain caves in to EMC’s $2.1 billion offer, Modiv Media lands some funding for its wireless shopping devices, and AS&E continues on its path to X-ray screening success.

Venture capitalist Gabrieli made a run for governor in 2006. Though it was assumed he would not  run in 2010, Gabrieli had not necessarily said so. MHT reporter Galen Moore put him on the spot — and yes, he denied any plans to run. So there you have it, from the investor and (former?) politician’s mouth. The interview went on to discuss Gabrieli’s thoughts on the crossroads of government and innovation, the state’s competitiveness, and effectiveness of public education.

Persistence pays off for EMC’s stubborn pursuit of Data Domain, the company playing the disinterested lover for the last month while it let EMC and NetApp duke out a bidding war for its affection. If anything, DD wanted no part of EMC’s takeover, going so far as to recommend that shareholders reject the bid. In the end, loyalty to NetApp’s contract lost out and the big money of EMC’s $2.1 billion offer finally won over DD. Who says money can’t buy love?

Have you seen those devices in Stop & Shop grocery stores that allow you to play cashier and ring your products up wirelessly as you shop? Well, expect to see more of those. Modiv Media has pulled in $1.2 million of an expected $2.5 million financing round.

And in the defense/security world, AS&E continues to succeed in its niche of X-ray screening vans, especially popular with border control. The company just landed an $8.6 million follow-on order for Z Backscatter X-ray screening systems.