Lt. Gov. Murray won't run for governor

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Governor Deval Patrick has ruled out a third term, and today his second-in-command announced he's not looking to take over.

Lt. Governor Tim Murray said today he will not be a candidate for governor in 2014, nor will he seek any other statewide office.

Lt. Governor Tim Murray raised more campaign money than any other elected official in 2012. So his decision to focus on family rather than a run for the governor's seat comes as a shock to many.

“I have mixed feelings because had the lieutenant governor decided to be a candidate for governor in the coming election, I was all in,” Governor Patrick said.

The governor and lieutenant governor were in Worcester Friday to discuss their growth strategy-- investing in education, innovation and infrastructure. Lieutenant governor Murray said they still have big goals to accomplish during this term.

“You've got to finish the fourth quarter strong. You've got to end the game. As the governor talked about, we are collectively rounding the last term of the second term. It's so important that we continue to push,” said Lt. Gov. Tim Murray.

Now with both seats up for grabs, interested candidates across the state are scrambling to lock down key votes.

“Right now it's always a dual that will win a governors race. So it's not just the governor’s position that's hot and in contest, folks are looking lieutenant governor now as well,” said political consultant Tony Cignoli.

But those who know Murray doubt this is the last they'll see of him in the political landscape.

“I think he would have been an incredible governor and I still think someday he will be an incredible governor,” said US Rep. Jim McGovern.

Democratic state treasurer Steve Grossman has expressed interest in running, as has Dr. Donald Berwick who worked in President Obama's administration. Governor Patrick says having Murray's 110% focus for the remainder of the term will be a great benefit to the commonwealth.