Responding to news that Richard Vitale was indicted on Thursday, House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi issued a statement late Thursday saying that he has addressed the issues surrounding the ticket broker legislation in the past and vowing to stay focused on the next legislative session.

"The House of Representatives has many important matters before us heading into the new session and we cannot be distracted from the work ahead," the Boston Democrat said. "I intend to stay focused on working with my colleagues in the House to address the ongoing budget crisis, solving our significant transportation problems and continuing to do all we can to make Massachusetts a better place to live, work and raise a family."

"I have addressed all of these issues repeatedly in the past," DiMasi added, and said that the ticket broker legislation that passed in the House represented the interest of his constituents.

"All of my decisions are based solely on what is in the best interests of my constituents and the Commonwealth," he said, "and, in this case, the House of Representatives passed ticket legislation that protects consumers."

Vitale served as DiMasi's accountant and campaign treasurer.