Former House Speaker Enters Lexington Prison

{Lexington, Kentucky}...Former Massachusetts Democrat House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi reported late Wednesday morning at the Federal Medical Center in Lexington to begin an 8 year prison sentence on corruption charges. DiMasi was convicted by a federal jury in June of conspiracy, extortion and honest services fraud. Prosecutors say he used his power as speaker to steer two lucrative contracts to a software firm in exchange for kickbacks. In a written statement released by his Boston attorney, DiMasi once again professed his innocence and said he was "outraged" that his reputation and integrity had been sullied and said he would continue to do everything in his power to restore his name. He is appealing.