Murray chairs lt. gov group; Patrick says decision wise.

Byline: John J. Monahan

BOSTON - Lt. Gov. Timothy P. Murray was elected chairman of the National Lieutenant Governor's Association yesterday and will lead the organization that includes lieutenant governors and office-holders first in succession to governors from all 50 states for the next year.

Mr. Murray who was attending the group's annual meeting in Chicago this week, had served as chairman-elect of the group for the last year and the chairman's post usually goes to the person serving as chairman-elect.

While the outcome was anticipated, Mr. Murray was elected unanimously and said he will focus on building nonpartisan efforts to seek out new ideas and government innovations that can be shared by state leaders across the nation.

Mr. Murray said he drove out to Chicago for the conference earlier this week and brought his wife and two daughters with him. He said they got to visit Chicago attractions and even got to swim in Lake Michigan while he attended the conference workshops and meetings.

Mr. Murray said he plans to drive back to Massachusetts today, a trip he said takes about 16 hours.

"The NLGA provides a platform for lieutenant governors to work in a bipartisan manner to help advance policies important to all states and also share best practices to make all states stronger," said Mr. Murray. "As chair, I look forward to building upon this partnership to increase opportunities for lieutenant governors to advocate for key issues facing our states and the country."

Gov. Deval L. Patrick, who has relied on Mr. Murray to lead numerous initiatives on homelessness, local government, veterans affairs and, most recently, retention of defense facilities, said the organization had made a wise choice electing Mr. Murray. "Tim will surely bring all the thoughtfulness...