Legislative Leaders Pledge Ethics Reform In Wake Of DiMasi Scandal

Gov. Deval Patrick, Senate President Therese Murray and House Speaker Robert DeLeo say ethics-reform legislation is their top priority in light of Tuesday's indictment of former House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi.

They say the legislation would include the best of their proposals for lobbying and campaign-finance overhauls.

Earlier Wednesday, Democrats met behind closed doors to discuss the DiMasi case.

Rep. Daniel Bosley expressed disappointment in the charges.

"You'd have to be pretty dumb to do what has alleged to be done," he said. "The jury's out and we'll see what happens. It's a lot of stuff that if it was true, then it's very disappointing. If it's not true, then I hope he beats it."

DiMasi is accused of arranging a lucrative state contract in exchange for kickbacks. Three of his associates were also indicted.