Ex-Speaker DiMasi Asks Judge For Compassion

Former Massachusetts House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi says he is a "broken man" who has lost everything that he worked for in his life.

DiMasi made an impassioned plea Thursday to U.S. District Judge Mark Wolf to spare him a lengthy prison sentence. He also asked to remain free while appealing his conviction.

Federal prosecutors are seeking a 12 1/2 year sentence for DiMasi, convicted in June of using his clout as speaker to steer two lucrative state contracts to a software firm in exchange for kickbacks.

DiMasi did not admit guilt in the case, but said he's sorry for mistakes he made, for the pain he brought to his family and the disgrace he brought to an institution — the Legislature — that he loved.

Wolf will sentence DiMasi and co-defendant Richard McDonough on Friday.