DiNatale's Choice

What was rumor on Friday and pretty much a done deal yesterday became fact this afternoon. House Speaker Sal DiMasi is stepping down on Tuesday. His replacement could be chose on Wednesday.

For second-term Rep. Stephen DiNatale of Fitchburg, this sets up an interesting time. Make the wrong move now, and forget it. It's over for him. Enjoy the back of the room and the basement office.

DiNatale's best move would have been to nudge up to one of the favorites a while ago and try to break into the circle. Odds are, that's Bob DeLeo of Revere or John Rogers of Norwood. If I were betting man, I'd be betting on DeLeo this week. But I wouldn't be betting the mortgage. Was DiNatale betting early? Or is he waiting to see where the winds are blowing this week?

DiNatale's opportunity to really make a move is likely passed. He either jumped in or he didn't. If he didn't, he now has to make a decision: DeLeo, Rogers, or dark horse X. He needs to pick right. The right choice means he stays viable, stays in th game, stays relevant. The wrong choice, and he loses all of the above, and is relegated to also-ran status for a while. Such is life when a speaker is elected.