Massachusetts House Speaker Robert DeLeo is strongly denying claims made by prosecutors at the federal trial of the state's former probation commissioner that DeLeo traded jobs for votes.
The Democratic speaker said Wednesday the claims of a "quid pro quo" were "inaccurate and inflammatory."
DeLeo also told reporters that he never increased the probation department's budget to create jobs that legislators could fill with their favored candidates.
He also said he never personally recommended any candidates for jobs in state government that he did not feel were qualified for the positions.
Former probation commissioner John O'Brien and two former deputies are on trial in federal court on charges they rigged the agency's hiring system to favor applicants referred by powerful lawmakers.
DeLeo has not been charged with any crimes.
