In politics–and in life–if it sounds too good to be true, don't buy it before you know for sure what you're getting.
So what I'd say to Tim Murray is: congratulations!
For now.
What Murray is spinning is the story of a once-in-a-lifetime job. What he calls a "unique opportunity"- a chance to lead the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce.
It's such a great job he's going to resign before the end of his term and leave the state with no lieutenant governor.
I guess we're just supposed to forget that, not too long ago, the job of his dreams was governor.
Still, if that's all there were to it, I'd be less skeptical.
But there are still questions about Murray's political fundraising, and that's why–to me–all the applause and smiles at the State House today look a little suspicious.
Murray dismissed any connection between his sudden departure and his close past relationship with Michael McLaughlin, the former head of the Chelsea Housing Authority convicted of lying about his pay.
But by leaving the State House, Murray also changes the stakes of any future investigations.
A sitting lieutenant governor can be an enticing target…the president of a local Chamber of Commerce, not so much.