Left In Lowell

It never looks good when, under any sort of inquiry or investigation, one claims an obscure and rare form of immunity for yourself. It looks really, really bad. Sort of a doth-protest-too-much moment.

Such is DiMasi’s strategy with the State Ethics Commission investigation into payments to his friends received from companies seeking government contracts. He’s claiming “constitutional immunity.” If that sounds really weird to you, it ought to. It was last used here (successfully) in 1808.

And what the hell is DiMasi doing meeting with other lawmakers behind closed doors to explain his side of the story?

What angers me most is that this puts progress in Massachusetts in jeopardy. DiMasi, while not perfect on the issues, is far more progressive than the Reps hungrily lining up to take his place should he fall. Though I could smack DiMasi on tax loophole closing bills, as Speaker he’s been awesome on the environment, gay marriage, and a host of other issues. If he turns out to be hiding wrongdoing, I want his head, on a platter, served up with a side of baked beans. And then if he still won’t resign, primary his ass.