Salvatore F. DiMasi is set to become the latest to leave the top post under a cloud of controversy,

House Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi is set to become the latest to leave the top post under a cloud of controversy, setting the stage for a bitter power struggle with his announcement last night that he is ending his 30-year political career, effective tomorrow.

DiMasi, reeling from ethics probes connected to his former campaign treasurer, ended months of speculation during which his subordinates have openly campaigned to replace him.

DiMasi, who also will give up his North End representative's seat, follows Charles Flaherty and Thomas Finneran as the third consecutive House speaker to leave amid scandal. DiMasi has been under investigation for receiving a loan from a friend who was seeking support for a ticket-scalping bill.

"I am excited on the one hand to move on to other challenges and new opportunities. I am sad to leave the House of Representatives," DiMasi wrote. He has faced mounting pressure and revelations of potential impropriety. Despite widespread rumors he may be directly implicated, he has not been charged with any wrongdoing.

House Ways and Means Chairman Rep. Robert DeLeo (D-Winthrop) and Majority Leader Rep. John Rogers (D-Norwood) both claimed last night to have the support to succeed DiMasi.

Rogers issued a list of names for his potential transition team while DeLeo planned to release a list of 88 lawmakers' names he says have pledged to support him. The winner will need 81 votes.

Meanwhile, six members of Ways and Means and two members of the Legislature's Committee on Professional Licensure fired off a terse letter last night calling for a probe into DeLeo's involvement in a pair of legislative issues that landed DiMasi's friend and accountant, Richard Vitale, in prosecutors' crosshairs.

"There is a grave concern among many members of the House regarding Rep. DeLeo's involvement in the Ace ticket legislation and the Cognos budget item," the letter stated. "Both of those pieces of legislation were altered in the Ways and Means Committee and were not subject to an executive session in which other members could scrutinize the changes.

"Chairman DeLeo needs to offer a full explanation of his involvement in the Ace Ticket and Cognos scandal, which is the very reason why Speaker DiMasi is resigning his post." The letter called for a delay on a vote for the next speaker until DeLeo addresses the questions.

Vitale, who reportedly once loaned DiMasi $250,000 and paid his in-laws' legal bills, faces improper lobbying charges for pushing legislation to assist ticket brokers, including soliciting DiMasi. DiMasi has denied having a hand in the ticket legislation. Federal prosecutors are reportedly probing millions in fees paid to Vitale and other DiMasi associates for work on a $13 million contract to Cognos.

DiMasi said he remained "proud" of his accomplishments, "no matter what the critics and the cynics will say."

"I leave with no regrets. Not one," he wrote. "It is time - time to move on, time to return to private life and time to return to my first professional love, the law."

He also hinted at a lobbying or consulting career.

DiMasi's resignation comes four years after he replaced Finneran, who was convicted in 2007 of obstruction of justice for his role in a statewide redistricting plan. Flaherty pleaded guilty in 1996 to tax evasion. source>>>

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