Boston (AP)  -- House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi is firing back at critics who have accused him of ethics violations.

In a letter sent Monday to House lawmakers, DiMasi called the recent string of allegations "baseless."

DiMasi said he was outraged that his reputation, integrity and good name had been called into question by news articles and ethics complaints filed by Republicans. He said he's eager to continue his work.

DiMasi has been increasingly under scrutiny: Last week he paid off a $250,000 loan from a close friend, who just registered as a lobbyist.

DiMasi got the third mortgage from Richard Vitale, who has been DiMasi's accountant and campaign treasurer.

State Republicans have questioned DiMasi's relationship with Vitale, who recently worked on behalf of a bill favored by the state's ticket brokers.