DeLeo Defends Beacon Hill After DiMasi’s Conviction

BOSTON — The day after former Massachusetts House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi was convicted of federal charges of extortion, fraud and conspiracy, the current speaker acknowledged that the verdict is a big setback in efforts to clean up ethics problems on Beacon Hill.

Speaker Robert DeLeo has called the verdict a “powerful blow to the public’s trust in government.” WBUR’s All Things Considered host Sacha Pfeiffer spoke with DeLeo and asked him just how powerful a blow it is.

More Verdict Coverage:

• Ex-Speaker DiMasi Convicted On Fraud, Extortion Charges
• Lawmakers: DiMasi Verdict ‘A Powerful Blow to Public Trust’
• Many North End Residents Disappointed In DiMasi Verdict
• Former AG Harshbarger: Beacon Hill Has Culture Of Corruption
• How The Verdict Unfolded: DiMasi Found Guilty On Corruption Charges
• Graphic: DiMasi Trial Verdicts