For weeks, speculation has abounded that Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray is at least exploring potential opportunities aside from running for reelection. Beacon Hill rumors have centered around Murray insiders questioning the chances of a successful Deval Patick-Murray reelection, and the departure of Murray Chief of Staff Jim Leary only solidified those rumors.
Today, both the Boston Herald and Boston Globe ran stories questioning Murray’s plans; the Globe hinted Murray might be looking at a federal office (say, Ted Kennedy’s seat, should he leave), while the Herald focused on Murray’s intentions to run for either AG or Treasurer.
From the Herald:
Several legislators and other Beacon Hill operatives said Murray – frustrated by his low-key role in Patrick’s administration – has put out feelers and even discussed a run for treasurer with a fund-raiser.
“He’s been talking with people about it,” said one high-ranking legislator, who added Murray doesn’t attend many leadership meetings. “This guy seems to be completely out of the loop.”
…“I think he sees the writing on the wall with Patrick, and he’s trying to graciously exit,” said another legislator. “He knows he’s on the Titanic.”
Of course, both articles featured strongly worded denials from Murray or associates. Murray Spokeman Michael Cohen told the Herald the rumors were “completely untrue,” while Murray himself told the Globe he was “110 percent” focused on running for reelection in 2010.
Yet, observers couldn’t help but be reminded of Murray’s comments when he was still running for reelection as Worcester’s Boy Mayor, when he consistently sidestepped rumors he was running for state office.
“”I’m running for re-election as Mayor,” he told us in March of 2005, as rumors of a Lieutenant Governor campaign surfaced. It was just one of several identical comments leading up until his statewide campaign kickoff after his last successful mayoral race in late 2005. Famously, Murray people were denying (or at least not admitting) his run even after that kickoff was scheduled, and its intentions known.
Daily Worcesteria 