House Speaker DeLeo: Lantigua's 2 offices up to Lawrence voters

BOSTON - House Speaker Robert DeLeo says it's up to Lawrence voters to decide whether Lawrence Mayor and State Rep. William Lantigua (lan-TEE'-gua) can keep both of his seats.

DeLeo said Monday that Lantigua has made it clear he intends to stay mayor and a state representative, and state lawmakers can't force him to resign one of the seats.

The comments come as state lawmakers prepare to debate a plan that would loan $35 million to the troubled city of Lawrence to help the city to avoid bankruptcy.

A vote on the proposal could come as early as this week.

Since Gov. Deval Patrick filed the bill in December, opposition has mounted partly because Lantigua wants to keep both seats.

Lantigua declined comment Monday.