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Former Mass. Attorney General, House Speaker Robert Quinn Dies

BOSTON (AP) — Former Massachusetts attorney general and state House Speaker Robert Quinn has died.

Hannah Downing, manager of Quinn's Boston law office, confirmed the death to The Associated Press on Monday. He was 85.

The Boston Herald reports Quinn died Sunday at his Falmouth home. He continued to live in Boston's Dorchester neighborhood.

Quinn served in the state House of Representatives from 1957 until 1969, the last two years as Speaker. His gave his name to the Quinn Bill, which gives police with college degrees higher pay.

He was attorney general from 1970 until 1974, when he lost in the Democratic primary for governor to Michael Dukakis.

Former Boston Mayor Ray Flynn called Quinn a "political leader of intelligence and integrity ... remembered for his decency and commitment to fairness and rule of the law."

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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