Rift in House over DiMasi widens

Lieutenants measure chances at succession

Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi is facing an ethics probe

House Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi, faced with ongoing ethics investigations and eroding support, is determinedly presiding over a deeply fractured House that is awash in speculation over how long he will remain in his post.

In a series of private meetings and discussions this week, House Ways and Means Committee chairman Robert DeLeo and majority leader John Rogers, the two leading contenders to replace DiMasi, have been measuring their chances of succeeding DiMasi, whether through a peaceful transition or a bitter battle.

It is among the most tumultuous times in recent House history, rivaled only by political intrigues that gripped the chamber in 1996, when Thomas M. Finneran rose to power, and 1984, when DiMasi was among House members who plotted to overthrow Speaker Thomas W. McGee.

Even as the feverish activity takes place behind the scenes, DiMasi has said that he has no intention of resigning and that he plans to run in January for another two-year term as speaker. And according to interviews yesterday with more than a dozen legislators, DiMasi would probably muster enough support to retain his seat if the vote were held now.

That has not stopped the backroom politicking, however, despite previous entreaties by DiMasi that it stop.

"There are a lot of would-be kings in this building," said Representative James R. Miceli, a Wilmington Democrat who remains loyal to DiMasi. "They think they see a wedge, and they're just picking at it."

"These folks are like Madame Defarge," he added, referring to the Charles Dickens character from "A Tale of Two Cities" who ruthlessly plots revenge against her enemies.

The behind-the-scenes struggle threatens to paralyze the House as the state is dealing with a range of far-reaching problems, from the tumbling economy to an ailing transportation network.

"We're faced with a budget crisis in Massachusetts," said Representative Martin J. Walsh, a Democrat from Dorchester and a Rogers loyalist. "We're faced with legislation that we need to look at and work on. There's a lot of issues we need to deal with, and all of these distractions aren't helping."

For individual lawmakers, the political calculation of whom to support is delicate. The decisions that rank-and-file legislators make over the next few weeks could have consequences for years to come. Speakers hand out plum chairmanships to their supporters, and House members' ability to deliver for their district will be hampered or enhanced.

DeLeo supporters have become increasingly confident in his positioning to become the next speaker.

Rogers supporters have been assessing the damage done to him by recent ethics allegations and quietly strategizing over whether they should back a compromise candidate who could have broader support. Several Rogers supporters are planning to meet today at a Beacon Hill restaurant to discuss the rapid-fire events that have taken place over the past few weeks.

Names of possible alternatives have been emerging - including representatives Daniel E. Bosley, Eugene L. O'Flaherty, John F. Quinn, James E. Vallee, and Walsh. Even Representative David Flynn, the 75-year-old dean of the House, said publicly last week that he had been approached by members to mount a run for speaker. Meanwhile, both sides have been courting newly elected lawmakers.

"They've both reached out to me," said Jason Lewis, an incoming Democratic lawmaker from Winchester. Lewis, who said he also met with DiMasi, would not comment on whether he committed to Rogers or DeLeo.

All of this politicking is taking place behind the scenes. Lawmakers have been huddling in small groups in the halls of the State House and at bars and restaurants on Beacon Hill, such as Emmets Irish Pub and Scollay Square.

"Everything's uncertain," said one House lawmaker. "People are looking at where we are, where we're going, and no one really knows."

DiMasi finds himself in this predicament because of a State Ethics Commission investigation and a state grand jury investigation into payments made by a state software contractor and the state's association of ticket brokers to his close associates. DiMasi has refused to cooperate with a demand for records by the Ethics Commission, claiming immunity granted to the Legislature and its leaders by the state constitution.

The 19 Republicans in the chamber could help tip the balance to either of the factions vying for control. So far they have declined to take a stand, and they have assiduously avoided criticizing DiMasi, at least directly. In an oblique swipe at the speaker, House Republicans said yesterday that they were forming their own three-member study group to propose changes in internal House ethics rules.

"The current situation is unacceptable," House minority leader Bradley H. Jones Jr. said in a statement, referring to several recent controversies. "The betrayal of the public trust, coupled with recurring appearances of impropriety, are a black cloud over Beacon Hill."

Most of the discussions have been disjointed, because the Legislature has been on break since August, meeting only occasionally in an informal session. Lawmakers spent most of the past few weeks in their districts, raising money and running for reelection, and DiMasi has been reluctant to call them back to deal with the budget crisis in formal session.

In addition to investigations involving DiMasi, Senator Dianne Wilkerson announced she would resign after the FBI indicted her on federal bribery charges. Representative Robert P. Spellane, a Worcester Democrat and vice chairman of the committee that regulates banks, has been forced to explain how he was able to forgo a year's worth of payments on a $340,000 loan from a local bank with an executive who supports him politically.

Rogers has been defending himself on charges that his campaign funds went to a consultant who in turn made mortgage payments on a Cape Cod vacation home owned by Rogers and his wife.

Those loyal to Rogers say his support is as strong as ever.

"I haven't heard about anyone dropping their support for Rogers," said Quinn, a Dartmouth Democrat who is among those mentioned as a possible compromise candidate. "I am 1 million percent supportive of John Rogers. If anyone is looking for another candidate, it hasn't been brought to my attention. "

Frank Phillips of the Globe staff contributed to this report. Matt Viser can be reached at maviser@globe.com. Andrea Estes can be reached at estes@globe.com.