Watch CBS News

Keller @ Large: What Impact Will DiMasi's Conviction Have On Beacon Hill?

BOSTON (CBS) - What impact will former Massachusetts House Speaker Sal DiMasi's conviction have on Beacon Hill?

What does DiMasi's conviction mean for state government and politics going forward?

WBZ's Jon Keller recently sat down with two pundits, Boston.com political editor Glen Johnson and Boston Phoenix political columnist David Bernstein, about the political fallout.

Part 1:

Part 2:

Johnson argues that while there are a large number of Beacon Hill lawmakers that are honest public servants, there is a growing problem with corruption in Bay State politics. Johnson specifically cites former state senators Dianne Wilkerson and James Marzilli, in addition to DiMasi and two previous Mass. House Speakers.

Bernstein described how surprised he was to see Senate President Therese Murray and House Speaker Robert DeLeo act so defensive after DiMasi's guilty verdict came down. Both politicians were quick to say that DiMasi's actions did not reflect "business as usual" on Beacon Hill.

"It was almost like their behavior in the aftermath of this verdict almost was perfectly in keeping with what got us into this mess, which was rather than dealing with something honestly...most of them hid, let the leadership come out and take the heat for them," said Bernstein.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.