May 12, 2008 11:30 am US/Eastern
DiMasi: Outraged 'Good Name Called Into Question'
House Speaker Blasts Media, Republicans In Letter To Colleagues
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
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Mass. House Speaker Sal Dimasi
WBZ
Massachusetts House Speaker Sal DiMasi addressed ethics investigations surrounding him Monday, in a letter to his House colleagues. In the letter, he blasts media reports and state Republicans for calling his reputation into question.
Read the Full Letter"I am outraged that my integrity, reputation and good name have been called into question. I have followed the rules and laws by which we are governed," DiMasi said in the letter sent to lawmakers.
"I have at all times adhered to the highest standards of ethical conduct," he said in the letter. "I have made my decisions based solely on the best interests of my constituents… I have never, ever conducted myself in a way that would favor the interests of any individual."
DiMasi is facing three separate ethics investigations. Among them, 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.
Another investigation surrounds a $13 million State software contract that DiMasi is said to have steered towards a company that made generous donations to his favorite charity.
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.
In a brief interview with WBZ Chief Correspondent on Friday, DiMasi said he does not believe the investigations are hurting his ability to lead.
In Monday's letter to his colleagues, DiMasi blames the media and the state Republican Party for his troubles. "The newspaper suggestions and the complaints of the Republican Party are baseless. I am angered and hurt by these accusations and innuendos.
"I should only be judged by what I have done… and I should not be judged by those of anyone else. My actions have always been in the best interest of the Commonwealth and my constituents and no one else."
DiMasi seems to dismiss speculation that he is getting ready to resign or be forced out as Speaker of the House. "We must resist the attempts to distract us from our legislative goals and responsibilities and I look forward to continuing to work with you to decide the meaningful issues that are important to all of our constituents."
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