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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Former politician faces perjury charge

Associated Press

BOSTON – Former Massachusetts House Speaker Thomas Finneran was indicted Monday on federal charges of lying under oath about his role in redrawing the state’s legislative districts.

Finneran, 55, was charged with perjury and obstruction of justice and could be sent to prison and lose his license to practice law if convicted.

Finneran, who resigned last September to head the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council, was considered the state’s most powerful politician during his eight years as speaker.

Minority groups claimed the new legislative map would hurt black and Hispanic candidates and protect Finneran and other incumbents.