Markey on probation scandal: 'I don't recollect recommending anyone'

BOSTON (MyFoxBoston.com) -- Senator Ed Markey says he doesn't remember recommending any possible candidates for jobs in the scandal-plagued Probation Department.

Markey told FOX 25 Political Reporter Sharman Sacchetti that he doesn't recall recommending anyone, but that he's going to be "taking a look at that."

When asked about his name appearing on a so-called "sponsor list," he again said that he didn't recall making any recommendations.

"I don't recollect. I will be trying my best to go backwards and see what happened there, but I don't recollect recommending anyone," he said.

When pressed again by Sacchetti Wednesday, as to whether or not he was surprised to see his name on a list, Markey declined to answer and was whisked away from the podium. Markey was speaking about a new gun control measure in Roxbury.

The Boston Herald reported Markey's name was on a 2007 "sponsor list" when the Probation Department was operated by Commissioner John O'Brien. O'Brien is facing federal charges related to the patronage scandal. Markey, the Herald reports, recommended two people in 2007.

At that time, Mayor Marty Walsh was a Dorchester state representative, is on the same list five times. Former US Senator Scott Brown is on the list once. Brown was a Republican state senator when he made the recommendation, the Herald reported. Richard Tisei, a Republican former state Senate minority leader and candidate in the running for the 6th Congressional District seat, made several recommendations as well.

Cox Media Group