posted on September 27, 2004 03:08:23 PM new
Sep 27, 4:32 PM EDT
Mass. House Speaker Resigns Amid Probe
BOSTON (AP) -- Thomas Finneran, who as the iron-fisted speaker of the Massachusetts House has stood firm against abortion and gay marriage, resigned his leadership post Monday, opening the way for the selection of a more liberal fellow Democrat.
The resignation came amid a federal investigation into Finneran's role in the redrawing of the state's legislative districts. But Finneran said the probe had nothing to do with his departure.
Finneran, 54, said he will serve out his legislative term, which ends Jan. 1, but step down as speaker on Tuesday after eight years in the powerful post. He said he will take a job heading a biotechnology trade group.
"The biggest mistake that happens in professional sports and politics is you stay too long," Finneran said. "I did not want to be chased, hounded or in any other way nudged from office. ... I wanted to do this on my own time, in my own terms."
After a lawsuit was filed claiming that the map was drawn to favor incumbents such as Finneran, the House speaker testified that he was not involved in the process. A federal appeals panel later said his statement was not credible, and federal prosecutors are looking into whether Finneran lied under oath.
House Majority Leader Salvatore F. DiMasi - who favors gay marriage and supports abortion rights - is expected to be named speaker on Wednesday.
A polarizing figure almost from the moment he became speaker, Finneran was widely criticized for his autocratic style. Newspaper cartoonists depicted him as a bug-eyed "Lord Thomas." Foes branded him a "dictator," and angry backbenchers railed against him.
Finneran, a son of a rug and upholstery cleaner, bristled at the criticism but never balked at using the power of his office.
His politics reflecting his working-class Roman Catholic background, Finneran fought attempts to bring back the death penalty. He also blocked debate for years on domestic partnership benefits for gay state employees and bills that would provide a buffer zone around abortion clinics and require insurance companies to cover contraception costs.
Finneran was one of the most outspoken critics of the Massachusetts high court's decision that legalized gay marriage May 17, and he proposed an amendment banning gay marriage.
During the debate over the issue earlier this year, DiMasi, 59, gave an impassioned speech in favor of equal marriage rights and voted against a ban on gay marriage.
An amendment to ban gay marriage but allow the creation of civil unions ultimately won approval in the Legislature, but it must be passed again during the next legislative session, which begins in January, before it can be submitted to the voters for ratification.
Melissa Kogut, executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts, said it was too early to tell whether the conservative climate in the House would change after Finneran is gone.
"But now at least we won't have the obstacle of the speaker," she said. "At least now will be able to get our bills debated."
The House is scheduled to hold a special session Wednesday to elect DiMasi.
DiMasi declined to discuss his plans as speaker before he delivers his acceptance speech Wednesday. Several lawmakers, including House liberals who frequently clashed with Finneran, said that DiMasi had promised a more open leadership style.
