Massachusetts: Investigation

BOSTON - In an emotionally charged press conference, embattled City Councilor Chuck Turner said Monday that he is innocent and stridently criticized the press and his fellow city councilors for presuming his guilt before he has had an opportunity to defend himself in court.

State Senator-elect Sonia Chang-Diaz said Thursday that her experience voting on Tuesday is something she won't soon forget.

"I am going to have to say, [it was] one of the best days I have ever experienced on any campaign. It was just a thrilling, thrilling day," the Jamaica Plain Democrat told PolitickerMA.com. "From standing in my own polling station line, to talking with voters, it was just a thrill."

BOSTON -- Sonia Chang-Diaz told reporters Friday that she was shocked and saddened by state Sen. Dianne Wilkerson's arrest on bribery charges this week and that she is slightly relieved Wilkerson decided to end her campaign, which Chang-Diaz said is in the best interest of the district.

State Sen. Dianne Wilkerson rejected the state Senate's request for her resignation Thursday night, saying that the Senate voted hastily and her decision to stay in the seat shows she has the best interest of the district mind.

In a statement, Wilkerson said that she is respectful of the Senates unanimous call for her resignation but that she believes the Senate acted too quickly.