Speaker Mariano? Western Massachusetts lawmakers line up behind Quincy Democrat as likely successor to House Speaker Robert DeLeo
Updated Dec 21, 2020;
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Several Western Massachusetts lawmakers committed to backing Majority Leader Ron Mariano’s bid for House speaker should Robert DeLeo step down.
“Without hesitation, I’m supporting Mariano,” said Rep. Smitty Pignatelli, a Lenox Democrat who was first elected in 2003.
Pignatelli is one of eight Western Massachusetts lawmakers who have committed to the Quincy Democrat, a key leader through DeLeo’s 12-year tenure as speaker.
As rumors of DeLeo’s departure grew, Mariano quickly reached out to lawmakers across the state asking for their support. DeLeo acknowledged in a disclosure letter that he planned to start negotiating employment opportunities with Northeastern University, his alma mater. He didn’t say he was stepping down just yet, but Mariano has gotten verbal commitments from representatives across
Massachusetts House Speaker Robert DeLeo seeking a job with Northeastern University, signaling he may end his 12-year tenure
Updated Dec 18, 2020;
Massachusetts House Speaker Robert DeLeo is looking into a job with Northeastern University, signaling he may soon end his record-breaking 12-year tenure.
The Winthrop Democrat filed a disclosure form with the House Clerk’s Office on Friday saying he intends to begin negotiating employment opportunities with NU but again states he has not had any contact with the university. DeLeo wrote he asked his legal counsel to contact the State Ethics Commission to ensure he complies with the state’s conflict of interest law as he explores any job opportunity