Beacon Hill Is Startled By Wilkerson Arrest

State Sen. Dianne Wilkerson's arrest on corruption charges has generated immediate reaction on Beacon Hill.

Despite a number of legal and ethical charges throughout her term, Wilkerson remained popular in her Boston district and was supported in her primary bid by Boston Mayor Thomas Menino and Gov. Deval Patrick.

The governor issued a statement today calling the allegations against Wilkerson "troubling and sad."

Senate President Therese Murray, who has campaigned with Wilkerson in the past, said she was seeking an investigation by the Senate Ethics Committee. Murray also said she would seek to have Wilkerson removed from her post as chairwoman of the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.

Senate Republican Leader Richard Tisei called on her to resign.