Ex-Mass. Rep. Says He Sponsored Amendment For DiMasi

A former state representative has testified that he sponsored a $5.4 million budget amendment for a software contract in 2006 after being contacted by the legal counsel for former House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi.

Asked if he knew what the amendment was for, Robert Coughlin said "not really," but added that "it was an honor" to sponsor the amendment for DiMasi.

Prosecutors in DiMasi's federal corruption trial said he pushed for the contract as part of a larger kickback scheme that ultimately netted him about $65,000.

Under cross-examination Coughlin testified that DiMasi's legal counsel, Daniel Toscano, never mentioned DiMasi by name when making the request.

Also Tuesday, a top legislative aide testified that notes he made in 2006 indicated DiMasi's office had a special interest in the budget amendment.