Feds arrest Mass. senator on corruption charges

[Mugu]

By GLEN JOHNSON and DENISE LAVOIE

BOSTON (AP) — A state senator who lost the Democratic primary last month was arrested by the FBI on Tuesday and charged with accepting $23,500 in bribes from undercover agents she believed were local businessmen.

Sen. Dianne Wilkerson was charged with attempted extortion as a public official and theft of honest services as a state senator. She faces up to 20 years in prison and $250,000 in fines on each count.

Wilkerson, 53, lost the Democratic primary in September to Sonia Chang-Diaz despite support from Mayor Thomas Menino and Gov. Deval Patrick. She is running a write-in campaign for the Nov. 4 election, in hopes of retaining the seat she has held since 1993.

U.S. Attorney Michael Sullivan said it was coincidental the complaint was filed a week before the election. Wilkerson's attorney, Max Stern, did not immediately return a call from The Associated Press for comment. The new charges are the latest in a string of troubles to plague the lawmaker, Massachusetts' sole black state senator.

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5iryBx-trWVGPXKX-gSow6HBi0mQQD943KEIG0">Complete article

[bicentennial_baby]

1. Finally!

Chang-Diaz for State Senate! :bounce:

[LeftishBrit]

2. Phew.

I thought that meant 'US Senator' and was thinking of Kennedy or Kerry - it's a relief to find out that it isn't!

[hughee99]

3. I won't be sorry to see her go. n/t

[Marrah_G]

4. WOW- It's about time.

No one is above the law.

[Forkboy]

5. That's a shame.

:P