Sal DiMasi Elected House Speaker
Sal DiMasi easily re-elected House speaker
Rep. Salvatore DiMasi was overwhelmingly re-elected Speaker of the House this morning with 135 out of 159 votes, an impressive showing of support for the embattled politician.
“I want to thank my fellow members for your overwhelming vote of confidence today,” DiMasi said.
Fourteen representatives, including seven GOP legislators, voted “present.”
Earlier in the day, a Democratic caucus took an informal voice vote supporting DiMasi’s reelection, which was a largely ceremonial pledge preceding the official House vote.
The North End Democrat – who has been dogged by an ethics scandal and whose former accountant is under criminal investigation – became emotional after a unanimous Democratic caucus gave him the nod, ensuring he’d win the formal vote.
“I found out I have a lot of friends, and that is important in this job because you need a lot of friends,” he said, his voice wavering.
Legislators including Rep. Marie St. Fleur (D-Boston) and Rep. Jay R. Kaufman (D-Lexington) delivered the nominating speeches, rather than House leadership members, who typically play that ceremonial role.
DiMasi dismissed speculation that he changed nominating speakers because of waning support, saying he wanted to show the diversity of support he has.
Jessica Fargen contributed to this report.
Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/news/politics/view.bg?articleid=1143707
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