Patrick Could Be Called To Testify At DiMasi Trial

BOSTON (AP) -- The corruption trial of former Massachusetts House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi is entering its third week and Gov. Deval Patrick could be called to testify.

Federal prosecutors allege DiMasi and two associates schemed to use DiMasi's clout as speaker to steer two lucrative state contracts to the software firm Cognos. They have all pleaded not guilty.

Joseph Lally, a former software salesman who pleaded guilty before the trial started, testified over three days last week that he was part of a complex scheme to funnel kickbacks to DiMasi.

Defense attorneys portrayed Lally as a liar, tax cheat and compulsive gambler whose testimony should not be trusted.

Testimony is scheduled to resume Monday.

Patrick is among those on the prosecution's remaining list of potential witnesses.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)