BOSTON (AP) - The arraignment of a close friend of House Speaker
Sal DiMasi on campaign finance violations has been delayed.

Richard Vitale had been scheduled to be arraigned on Monday in
Suffolk Superior Court. But his lawyer took advantage of a rule
that allows Vitale not to appear and to request a rescheduling.
Magistrate Gary Wilson reset the arraignment for next Monday.

Prosecutors say Vitale concealed his work as a lobbyist on
behalf of ticket brokers. He's also accused of making political
donations in excess of the state's $200 limit.

The judge on Monday refused to allow the state to file a
"statement of the case," which would give more details of the
allegations. The judge agreed with Vitale's lawyers that it was
unnecessary at this time and could be prejudicial.