Reading this article makes it sound like the other elected officials are defending Sal for just being Sal?  Nice wake up call this was.  From Boston.com:

But House Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi, steeped in the cozy culture of Beacon Hill during a 30-year career in the House, at times seemed oblivious to appearances. He frequently golfed with those who had business before the state, frolicked on the shores of Puerto Rico with registered lobbyists, and socialized with people who were in a position to benefit from their friendship with him.

It was those associations – including one with his close friend and former accountant, Richard Vitale, indicted last month on charges of lobbying DiMasi on behalf of a group of ticket resellers – that contributed to his undoing. DiMasi said last night that he will resign the seat he has held since 1978.

Read the Rest…