Lobbyist, Former Senate President Bobby Travaglinazi speaks up for disgraced Medical Examiner

[Ian David]

Travaglini speaks up for examiner
By Andrea Estes and Frank Phillips, Globe Staff | August 4, 2007

Robert Travaglini, former Senate president, appeared at a disciplinary hearing for medical examiner Dr. Mark Flomenbaum last week and spoke on his behalf, according to Travaglini's new partner, attorney Thomas R. Kiley.

Travaglini, who left the Senate in March to launch a lobbying firm, did not participate during the main presentation but rose to speak at the end, Kiley said. Governor Deval Patrick presided over the hearing.

"He got up and talked about the importance of working cooperatively with the governor's office on a mission that has real importance to the people of the Commonwealth," Kiley said. "He was there as a graphic symbol to the administration of our desire to work the matter out politically for the constituency served by the medical examiner's office. There is a genuine desire by Dr. Flomenbaum to complete the mission."

It is rare for a nonlawyer to attend a disciplinary hearing and especially unusual for a former legislative leader to make such an appearance, state officials said. Appearing at a disciplinary hearing is not considered lobbying, specialists said.

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