Politics

DiMasi Will Talk 'Soon' About Ethics Allegations

BOSTON (WBZ) ― Sal DiMasi, Speaker of the House, tells WBZ he will talk "soon" about the ethics investigations surrounding him.

The powerful Speaker of the House has been hard to find these days. He has been avoiding reporters since it was revealed he is now facing several ethics investigations regarding legislation that has benefited close friends.

Chief Correspondent Joe Shortsleeve is the only reporter to catch up with the powerful politician as he headed for his State House office Friday.

"What is your reaction to these on-going ethics investigations?" Shortsleeve asked as the camera rolled.

DiMasi, continuing to slowly walk away responded, "I can not talk about it now. I will talk about it soon. I appreciate it."

In recent months the pressure has been building on the Speaker of the House. He now faces three separate ethics investigations. In the words of one respected lawmaker here on Beacon Hill, "Clearly there is blood in the water."

Among those investigations, whether DiMasi secured a $250,00 mortgage through his friend Richard Vitale. Critics say Vitale never registered as a lobbyist but in fact lobbied for legislation to help ticket brokers.

Then there is a $13 million State software contract that DiMasi is said to have steered towards a company that made generous donations to his favorite charity.

And DiMasi is also being questioned about golfing junkets with Joe O'Donnell, one of the owners of Suffolk Downs and someone with a keen interest in legislation to bring slot machines to the tracks.

Shortsleeve asked DiMasi, "Do you think these investigations have hurt your ability to lead?"

Sal Dimasi quickly answered "no" and then went on to say, "I will talk about it soon. But I really would like you to have an appointment and set this up the proper way."

DiMasi then slipped into his office.

Speculation is brewing that DiMasi is either going to resign or be pushed aside by House members. The name at the top of the list -- Ways and Means Chairman Robert DeLeo.

He said recently he is supporting the Speaker and hopes DiMasi stays for "three or four more years but not too long."

And at least publicly DiMasi has the support of Gov. Deval Patrick.

Friday at the State House, Deval Patrick said, "The speaker of the house is a partner of mine, a friend of mine and I look forward to a long working relationship."

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