This is the second "Bar Wars" episode in which rival bar owner Gary does not appear on screen even though he is significant to the plot. The other episode this happened in was #8.21.
John Forbes Kerry served as the 68th United States Secretary of State from 2013 to 2017. He previously served as a United States Senator from Massachusetts from 1985 until 2013. He was the Democratic nominee in the 2004 presidential election, losing to Republican incumbent George W. Bush. He served as the 66th Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts from March 6, 1983 - January 2, 1985.