Free Republic

Former Massachusetts House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi has been sentenced to eight years in federal prison for using his clout to steer two state contracts to a software firm in exchange for kickbacks. U.S. District Court Judge Mark Wolf on Friday also sentenced co-defendant Richard McDonough, a prominent Statehouse lobbyist, to seven years for his role in the scheme. Prosecutors had asked for a 12½-year sentence for DiMasi, convicted in June on charges of conspiracy, extortion and honest services fraud. Defense attorneys asked for three years, citing DiMasi’s public service and strong family ties. DiMasi delivered an emotional speech in court...

BOSTON -- With the high-profile corruption trial of former House speaker Sal DiMasi set to begin Tuesday, Beacon Hill is bracing for what could be a devastating look at the relationship between money, corruption and power in Massachusetts politics. Prosecutors are preparing to tell a sordid tale of a political insider who accepted bribes and then tried to cover up the evidence after the controversy was exposed. The defense will argue there was no quid pro quo. Legal experts say the trial promises to give the public a front-row seat to the relationship between lobbyists and politicians. It could also...