Sal Looks to Lead House, But For How Long?
If all goes according to plan Sal DiMasi will be reelected tomorrow to another tenure as Speaker. DiMasi earned a “victory” of sorts already this week, after the Ethics Commission dropped a lawsuit which compelled him to turn over documents. DiMasi had argued he was protected from releasing them.
Then, in a strange twist, Richard Vitale skipped his arraignment due to an extended vacation, which keeps Martha Coakley’s indictment under wraps until after the House votes, making it is either the greatest coincidence in history, or the play of the year.
So Sal survived the first wave, but the rumor mill has been churning with speculation that DiMasi will step down shortly after the vote anyway.
Why? Well, the Ethics Commission is arguably the least of DiMasi’s worries. There is Coakley’s investigation, the state Inspector General’s probe, and Michael Sullivan’s federal investigation to contend with, and that’s in addition to the urgent affairs of state have to be addressed.
The House is setting up for long protracted battles with Gov. Deval Patrick over transportation, the budget, spending and the like. And waiting in the wings are Robert DeLeo and John Rogers who would like nothing better than to assume the throne. But if DiMasi hangs on through the vote he would be in position to anoint his successor.
The game has been brewing for weeks, and it’s only just begun.
