DiMasi is said to back Reilly and 3-man race

House Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi, one of the most influential Democrats in the state, will support Attorney General Thomas F. Reilly for governor at the state party convention this weekend, according to a source close to DiMasi who is familiar with his plans.

But DiMasi will ask 14 or 15 convention delegates from his Boston district that he has influence with to split their votes between Reilly and Christopher Gabrieli, because he believes all three Democrats, including Deval L. Patrick, deserve to make it to the September primary, the source said. Patrick is almost assured of winning the convention.

``He feels all three are experienced and qualified, and should be on the ballot," the source said.

DiMasi met with Reilly yesterday, but the source said the speaker had already decided what he would do at the convention, which begins today.

DiMasi's support for Reilly could be important symbolically, particularly with House Democrats, all of whom can vote at the convention.

It's delicate for legislative leaders to endorse a candidate, because they will have to work closely with whoever becomes governor. Senate President Robert E. Travaglini of East Boston will also be helping Reilly win delegate support this weekend.