House Chairman of Ways and Means Bob Deleo will be elected by the full House tommorow to succeed Salvatore Dimasi as Speaker of the House. With John Rodgers conceding defeat Deleo took a victory lap around the State House, appearing with Governor Deval Patrick and John Rodgers to proclaim unity. From the Globe:
This afternoon on the House floor, DeLeo shook hands and spoke with Rogers. In the press conference that followed, DeLeo voiced his support for slot machines at race tracks and ticked off his priorities as speaker: transportation, a pension overhaul, and ethics reform. He described himself as a moderate — not a conservative — who is a “very good listener who tries to help people.”
Deleo has been a supporter of slots at tracks, largely a function of his hoping to help Suffolk Downs. I do believe that he may push that agenda, but I doubt that he will push it aggressively or quickly. Deleo’s first order of business will be to organize the House, and the winners and losers from this fight will become evident very quickly. I am less worried about casino’s and slots than I am about who the next Chair of the House Ways and Means Committee will be.
Deleo has been to Methuen twice as Chair of Ways and Means, and is as nice of a person in private as he is in public. Good luck to Speaker Bobby Deleo. He is going to need it.
http://services.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f8/271552990
Bill Manzi.com 
Your Honor,
Just like those that preceded him, a future felon.
On, excuse me, a nice future felon.
Jules
LikeLike
Jules comment is insulting to the good name and reputation of a true gentle man who represents a blue collar community and knows everyone there because like Speaker O’Neill..the FIRST Democrat Speaker..and NOT A FELON…he walks his district and listens to his constituents.
It would be nice Mr Mayor if your blog were void of personal attacks, especially when they have NO basis in the truth.
It would serve you well to screen such hateful comments, particularly when your blog has become such popular reading that good folks at the State House might get confused.
Jules shoud apologize! Speaker DeLeo is a good man period!
LikeLike
Bob,
I try to screen for truly offensive comments. Jules comments reflect his views, and as you know I have allowed some pretty harsh comments to be made about me. (And a few about you!). I have met Bobby Deleo on multiple occasions, and as I said in MY post he is a true gentleman and someone that I like. I do believe Jules mocked my reference to Speaker Deleo as “nice”. In any case it is a full contact blog and I try not to censor.
Bill
LikeLike
Bob,
I take my information from the newspaper that reported the “nice” guy speaker is being investigated for his roll involving a software contract irregularities. Are you saying he is not being investigated?
As I remember DeMasi’s problems started off from an investigation, just like DeLeo’s.
He may, in fact, be a nice guy. But, this state is screwed up because of the incompetence of our legislators, who may also be nice guys.
Tom Finneran may be a nice guy.
Flanery may be a nice guy.
DeMasi may be a nice guy.
Heck, Bob, even you may be a nice guy.
Now, Bob, take a Valium and lay down. I will go find the news report regarding DeLeo’s investigation and post it here. I promise you, if I can’t find the report I will certainly apologize.
Jules
LikeLike
Bob,
The following is from the Boston Herald.
“Several lawmakers have demanded an explanation of DeLeo’s handling of a software contract for Cognos now under federal investigation, as well as ticket-scalping legislation. His ally Rep. Thomas M. Petrolati (D-Ludlow) has also been implicated in the ticket scandal.
Jules
LikeLike
Jules,
I have learned not to form any opinion based solely on media accounts. I would suggest that you read the language very carefully.
You should always remember that everyone in public life unfortunately is subject to false speculation and innuendo.
The law makes public officials fair game for defammation! Ever hear the phrase “absent malice”?
And Jules, no one has ever said I am a
“nice” guy!!!! But I am loyal !
Bob
LikeLike