The saga surrounding whether Salvatore DiMasi will face a challenge for his speakership in January continues, as the Boston Globe reports that state Reps. Robert DeLeo and John Rogers are trying to figure out if they have enough support to take on DiMasi.

But the Globe also notes that based on several interviews with lawmakers Wednesday, it appears DiMasi currently has enough backers to retain his post.

All of this speculation comes as DiMasi's, a Boston Democrat, has the state Ethics Commission investigation looking into whether a software company unlawfully sought influence in awarding a state contract by making payments to his associates.

The Globe also reports that supporters of DeLeo, a Winthrop Democrat and chair of the Ways and Means Committee, "have become increasingly confident in his positioning to become the next speaker."

Rogers backers are sorting out how much damage will come from recent allegations that he channeled funds from his campaign account through a consultant to make mortgage payments on a vacation home, the Globe reports, and some of the Norwood Democrat's backers are meeting Thursday at a Beacon Hill restaurant to discuss the situation.

The Globe also notes other representatives who have been mentioned as successors to DiMasi including: Daniel Bosley (D-North Adams), Eugene O'Flaherty (D-Chelsea), John F. Quinn (D-Dartmouth), James Vallee (D-Franklin), Martin Walsh (D-Boston) and David Flynn (D-Bridgewater).