Tim Murray’s political adviser shifts to crisis management after car crash

By Noah Bierman, Globe Staff

Still under fire for his unusual Nov. 2 car crash, Lieutenant Governor Timothy P. Murray has asked his longtime political adviser to take on a more formal paid role in responding to the wave of media questions that have overwhelmed his staff in recent days.

Scott M. Ferson, a former spokesman for Senator Edward M. Kennedy and president of the Liberty Square Group, said he has advised Murray regularly and informally on media relations and political strategy since he first ran for lieutenant governor six years ago.

“From time-to-time, he needs more of my time and he’ll pay me and this is one of those times,” Ferson said. “I’m just helping him out more formally.”

Ferson said he will be paid by Murray’s political committee, but has not yet sent a bill.

Ferson’s more formal position is another indication of Murray’s increasing concern that the 5:30 a.m. high speed car crash could endanger his political future.

He has been projected as a likely gubernatorial contender in 2014, when Governor Deval Patrick wraps up when he says is his second and final term.

On Tuesday, the Massachusetts State Police released data retrieved from the car’s “black box” that contradicted Murray’s previous statements that he was driving the speed limit, wearing a seat belt, and that the crash was caused by black ice.

State police said they suspect he had fallen asleep behind the wheel and was going over 100 miles per hour before the crash.

The day after the black box data were released, Murray appeared tense and distracted as he chaired the weekly meeting of the Governor’s Council.

Murray’s official spokeswoman, Lauren Jones, said in a statement that his staff will continue to field questions about the lieutenant governor’s activities.

“Inquiries about the lieutenant governor’s official duties have been and will be handled by press staff in the Executive Office,” she wrote. “Inquiries about political issues have been and will be handled by the lieutenant governor’s political committee.”