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As DiMasi Departs, DeLeo Hurries To Secure Seat

On Beacon Hill, state Rep. Robert DeLeo says he has growing support to become the next speaker of the Massachusetts House.

DeLeo is out with a list of 92 supporters, about 10 more than yesterday and 11 more than he needs to become speaker. The vote is expected tomorrow.

WBUR's Steve Brown reports on the jockeying for the speakership, following Sal DiMasi's plans to resign at 5:00 p.m. today.

All eyes will be on the House chamber this afternoon at 1:00. That's when Sal DiMasi plans to address his colleagues in the House one last time. His resignation takes effect a few hours later.

A Democratic House caucus is scheduled for Wednesday at noon. Supporters of House Ways and Means Chairman Robert DeLeo indicate he has more than enough needed to be elected to the post.

But House Majority Leader John Rogers of Norwood, who has been waging his own bid for the speakership, has suggested the vote be delayed so that the process can be more open. But with DeLeo's camp saying he has the votes, a delay seems unlikely.

This program aired on January 27, 2009. The audio for this program is not available.

Headshot of Steve Brown

Steve Brown Senior Reporter/Anchor
Steve Brown is a veteran broadcast journalist who serves as WBUR's senior State House reporter.

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