Responding to news that Richard Vitale has been indicted, the Massachusetts Republican Party on Thursday called on House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi to cooperate with the State Ethics Commission.

DiMasi has refused to cooperated with the State Ethics Commission's investigation into whether he played an inappropriate role in the awarding of a state software contract to Cognos ULC, a Burlington company that has also been linked to Vitale. DiMasi has refused to turn over documents to the commission, claiming he has constitutionally granted legislative immunity from the demands.

Peter Torkildsen, the chairman of the Massachusetts Republican Party, called on DiMasi to turn over the documents requested.

"The onus is now on Speaker DiMasi to dispel the cloud of corruption that floats above his office," Torkildsen said in a statement. "His business dealings with his indicted friend Richard Vitale makes it even more urgent that he comply immediately with the State Ethics Commission's request for documents from his office. His failure to follow the law casts a pall upon Beacon Hill Democrats, and it is incumbent on him to respond."

A spokesman for DiMasi did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment.