With Federal Officials On His Side, Odds 'Greatly Improved' For DiMasi's Compassionate Release

Former House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi has spent five years in federal prison following a conviction for political corruption. His scheduled release date is November of 2018. But he might be getting out earlier than that through the Department of Justice's "compassionate release program."

DiMasi is 71 and battling cancer. Several heavy hitter lawyers have gone to bat on his behalf, as well as former federal Judge Nancy Gertner.

Gertner joined WBUR's Morning Edition to discuss the case.