Vintage DiMasi

Things haven’t been going so well for House Speaker Sal DiMasi as of late. His friends seem to have trouble understanding the state’s ethics laws. His wife’s television career could pose more problems for him should we ever understand the deal between Debbie DiMasi and Christy Scott Cashman’s production company. Even Gov. Deval Patrick had a better first half of the year than the man who was once the most powerful force on Beacon Hill.

But King Sal hasn’t completely faded away. Today’s Herald reports the Speaker is still using his political clout to kill a bill that would allow slot machines at the state’s racetracks.

DiMasi promised gambling proponents in the House that he would allow a slots bill to come to the floor before the end of the session. Despite his solemn vow, the legislation seems doomed to die in committee. But, it’s not his fault.

The Speaker blames a fight with Senate President Therese Murray over committee assignments. But pro-slot reps aren’t buying it.

“This is a one-party state and the speaker has tremendous power,” said state Sen. Richard Tisei (R-Wakefield). “If the speaker wants to have a vote on something, there will be one.”

Sal DiMasi using his clout to kill legislation he doesn’t like? Now this is more like it.

Photo by John Goodman