Ex-Mass. speaker loses bid to stay out of prison

BOSTON -- Former Massachusetts House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi has lost a bid to remain free on bail while appealing his federal corruption conviction.

A three-judge appeals court panel, in a ruling dated Monday, said it did not find a substantial likelihood that DiMasi's appeal would be successful.

The panel also denied a similar request for bail from DiMasi's co-defendant, Richard McDonough.

DiMasi was sentenced to eight years in prison and McDonough to seven years behind bars. They are scheduled to begin their sentences on Nov. 30.

DiMasi and McDonough were convicted in June on conspiracy and other charges. Prosecutors said they schemed to use DiMasi's clout as speaker to steer two lucrative contracts to a software firm in exchange for payments.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)