Lt. Gov. Tim Murray to Resign

UPDATE, 12:15 p.m.: The Massachusetts Republican Party was quick to jump on the reports about Murray's resignation, saying Murray is trying "to outrun the scandal that dogs him" in a statement on their website.

MassGOP attempted to liken Murray's exit to that of .

“History doesn’t always repeat itself, but in this case it looks like Tim Murray is following the same path as a previous, disgraced Democratic official,” said Nate Little MassGOP Executive Director in the scathing statement. “Only time will tell if Murray follows the Finneran playbook to the end, complete with indictment and guilty plea.”

UPDATE, 10:45 a.m.: Boston.com has updated their original post, reporting that Murray is anticipated to resign next month according to a top administration official.

ORIGINAL STORY: Massachusetts Lt. Gov. Tim Murray will be resigning Wednesday, according to CBS Boston.

CBS Boston reported sources saying Murray will leave to become the head of his hometown Worcester Chamber of Commerce, a position that pays over $200,000 a year.

Murray announced earlier this year he would not run for governor in 2014.

Boston.com reports there is no mechanism by which the state Constitution allows for the replacement of the lieutenant governor, meaning Gov. Deval Patrick will be without one until he leaves office in January 2015.

As a result, Boston.com reported the next in line of succession for governor is Secretary of State William Galvin.

Murray's tenure as lieutenant governor has been marked with controversy.Boston.com's report Wednesday mentioned Murray 2011 car crash in a state vehicle as well as ties to former Chelsea Housing Authority director Michael McLaughlin, who has pleaded guilty to felony charges related to concealing his salary.

Patch will have more on this story as it becomes available.