2 House Democrats urge ethics changes

As House Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi faces investigations on multiple fronts, two legislators proposed a package of ethics rules changes yesterday for members to address when they return to work in January.

Adding a dose of political intrigue, the lawmakers - Representatives John Quinn, Democrat of Dartmouth, and Martin Walsh, Democrat of Dorchester - are supporters of House majority leader John H. Rogers, who hopes to succeed DiMasi. Rogers is vying with House Ways and Means Committee chairman Robert A. DeLeo, seen by many as DiMasi's chosen successor.

Quinn and Walsh plan to ask their colleagues to pass the ethics rules changes before they cast their vote for speaker, in an attempt to keep the issue of ethics on the front burner. DiMasi has been facing intense political pressure because of investigations by several state agencies into large payments made to close associates by business entities seeking favorable action on Beacon Hill. DiMasi has refused to cooperate with a demand for records from the State Ethics Commission.

It was the third call in recent weeks for ethics changes at the State House. Earlier this month, Governor Deval Patrick appointed a 12-member task force to strengthen the ethics and lobbying laws. In addition, House minority leader Bradley H. Jones Jr. announced that a Republican study group will look at possible changes to House rules.

In their 12-point plan, Quinn and Walsh call for a six-year term limit on the speaker's job, public meetings of the House Ethics Committee, and increased penalties for illegal lobbying.

An eight-year term limit on the speaker's job was repealed in 2001. Both Quinn and Walsh voted for the repeal, and they voted against an amendment to reinstitute term limits in 2003.

Their plan would also streamline the home rule petition process, which lawmakers use as bargaining chips to win passage of other legislation. Under the proposal, the Legislature would have 90 days to act on a petition or it becomes law, Quinn said. They would also restrict the use of earmarks in the state budget.

In a written statement, Rogers praised Quinn and Walsh for "their proactive efforts, and [I] support and embrace, in a general sense, their reforms as we continue to welcome ideas that improve how we conduct the business of the people."

"I'm also eager to review the full reform proposal when that occurs," he said.

Still, Rogers has some ethics problems of his own. The Office of Campaign and Political Finance investigated whether he used campaign funds, paid to a consultant, to help fund the mortgage on a summer home. Rogers paid $30,000 out of his campaign account to settle the case with the Office of Campaign and Political Finance. Nonetheless, his supporters have been quietly strategizing over whether to back a compromise candidate who could have broader support.

DeLeo also "welcomes these additional ideas," said his spokesman, Jim Eisenberg.

"When the governor announced the creation of his Public Integrity Task Force in October, Chairman DeLeo expressed interest in working with him on his proposal," Eisenberg said. "When the details of the task force's recommendations are released, he will be eager to work with the governor and members of the Legislature on meaningful ethics reform."

In a prepared statement, DiMasi said: "The governor, legislative leaders of both parties, and individual lawmakers are discussing thoughtful proposals to reform our ethics laws, and, while Massachusetts already has among the toughest standards in the nation, any necessary changes proposed by these groups will be fully considered."

When Patrick announced the formation of the task force, DiMasi suggested that changes were unnecessary. "I think we have very comprehensive, in-depth ethics laws in Massachusetts," DiMasi said at the time.

Matt Viser of the Globe staff contributed to this report.