Mass. Sen. Wilkerson Resigns After Bribery Charges

For the second time in a week, a state senator has resigned amid controversy.

WBUR's Steve Brown has more.

Yesterday, it was Dianne Wilkerson who stepped down, just a day after being indicted on federal bribery charges. Her successor, Senator-elect Sonia Chang-Diaz doesn't take office until the first week of January. Chang-Diaz says in the interim, Wilkerson's staff will remain in place to handle any constituent needs that might crop up in the next six weeks.

CHANG-DIAZ: And also, the district has an incredibly strong representative delegation, and I of course trust that they will step up to help me and the district's needs over that interim period.

Last week, Arlington Senator James Marzilli resigned as he awaits trial on sexual harassment charges.