Thursday, 4:30 PM
Lt. Gov. Murray names state Rep. his chief of staff
By Andrew Ryan, Globe Correspondent
Incoming Lieutenant Governor Timothy P. Murray tapped a lawyer and Democratic state representative today to be his chief of staff.
James B. Leary, 39, has been a longtime political friend of Murray, the current mayor of Worcester. Leary has represented Worcester and West Boylston in the state Legislature since 2000.
"I'm very excited," said Leary, who met Murray in 1994 when the two worked together on the Democratic congressional campaign of former Worcester Rep. Kevin O"Sullivan.
"I just think [Governor-elect Deval Patrick and Murray] make a great team," Leary said. "I'm happy to be a part of the administration."
Leary, who cruised to re-election this month over Republican challenger Joseph D. Rice, will step down in January before he begins his fourth term. A special election to fill his seat will be held some time this spring, he said.
His experience as a representative will help him as a liaison to the legislature and give him a unique perspective on the needs of constituents, Leary said.
