Lt. Gov. defends numerous calls made

BOSTON (AP) - Lt. Gov. Timothy Murray says there was nothing unusual about the dozens of phone conversations he reportedly had with former Chelsea Housing Authority Director Michael McLaughlin, who resigned this month after the disclosure that he was receiving a $360,000-a-year salary.

Murray acknowledged to reporters Friday that McLaughlin was a political supporter, but said he did not know about the hefty compensation and was "as outraged and surprised as anyone" when he heard the full story.

He said part of his job was to speak daily with local officials, such as McLaughlin.

The Boston Globe reported Friday that McLaughlin and Murray called each other more than 80 times over the last seven months.

Gov. Deval Patrick called Murray a "fabulous" lieutenant governor and said he didn't like the "insinuation" that Murray had done something wrong.