As expected, Haverhill Rep. Brian Dempsey voted to return House Speaker Sal DiMasi to his position of leadership.
Dempsey was joined by Haverhill state Reps. Harriett Stanley and Barbara L'Italien in voting for DiMasi.
Political observers anticipated heavy support from lawmakers for DiMasi, which he received. Of 160 lawmakers casting votes, 135 voted DiMasi's way.
Dempsey has been a vocal backer of DiMasi, crediting him with helping Haverhill receive millions of dollars in state aid to help retire the debt from the formerly city-owned Hale Hospital.
