Massachusetts Lt. Gov. Tim Murray said none of the controversies that have dogged him during his tenure on Beacon Hill contributed to his decision to announce his resignation.
In a press conference at the State House Wednesday, Murray said his final day on the job will be June 2. The next day he will take over as president and CEO of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce where his salary will reportedly be around $ 200,000.
In January, Murray said he had no intention of running for governor when Gov. Deval Patrick’s term expires in January 2015.
“This has been a very difficult but empowering decision,” Murray said. “It has been an honor to serve as lieutenant governor.”
Patrick called Murray an “outstanding partner” during his time in the corner office. Among the accomplishments Patrick touted were his work with the homeless and on domestic violence as well as working closely with government leaders in cities and towns.
Murray is also currently the head of the National Lieutenant Governors Association.
“He was here, in every way, for the right reasons,” Patrick said. “This is no small loss to our team or for me.”
Indeed, there will be no replacement for Murray. Under the current state Constitution there is no mechanism for replacing the lieutenant governor if they leave office before their term ends.
Murray said the current investigation into former Chelsea Housing Authority director Michael McLaughlin, who has pleaded guilty to felony charges related to concealing his salary and has ties to Murray, had nothing to do with his decision to resign.
“This was a unique and special opportunity that was not going to be there in January 2015,” Murray said. “It builds on everything that I’ve been working on.”
Murray said he had no concerns about a possible indictment coming his way in connection with the McLaughlin investigation.
Murray was also involved in an early-morning car crash while driving a state vehicle in 2011.
He added he was not “actively pursuing” any job when he was approached about the Worcester job and at first was not interested before changing his mind after discussing the idea with his family.
Murray would not rule out a run for higher political office at some point in the future.
“We’ll see,” Murray said. “I’ve got young kids right now … It takes a toll, (campaigns) are non-stop, frenetic events.”
Patrick was asked if the resignation reinforced the idea his administration is entering a “lame duck” phase.
“You judge us over the next 18 months and see if we slow down,” Patrick said.
“I believe we will show you that we don’t intend to.”
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