New Staff Additions Strengthen Kerry-Edwards Team for Final Campaign Push

[CatWoman]

To: National Desk and Political Reporter

Contact: Allison Dobson of Kerry-Edwards 2004, 202-464-2800, Web: http://www.johnkerry.com

WASHINGTON, Aug. 31 /U.S. Newswire/ --With just over two months to go before Election Day, the Kerry-Edwards campaign announced Tuesday that it has brought on board key new staff to help lead the campaign to victory on November 2nd. The new additions strengthen an already impressive campaign team and bolster the campaign's efforts to put John Kerry and John Edwards in the White House.

Joining the Kerry-Edwards campaign: Senior Advisor Joe Lockhart; Director of Rapid Response Joel Johnson; Senior Advisor for National Security Affairs Dr. Susan Rice; Policy Advisor on Israel and the Middle East former Congressman Mel Levine; Elizabeth Edwards Chief of Staff Lori Denham and Elizabeth Edwards Communication Director Karen Finney.

"It says a lot about the strength of the Democratic Party that we are able to bring in such experienced individuals to help us cross the finish line first in November," said Kerry-Edwards campaign manager Mary Beth Cahill. "We welcome each of our new additions and look forward to putting their talents and experience to work in this campaign to build a stronger America."

Joe Lockhart is a Partner with The Glover Park Group who specializes in media relations and political strategy. He served as chief spokesman for President Clinton and the Clinton administration from 1998-2000, where he conducted daily press conferences for White House journalists and briefed the president and senior members of his administration on all press matters. Before joining the White House in 1997, he was National Press secretary for the Clinton/Gore '96 re-election campaign. He was the Deputy Press Secretary for the Dukakis/Bentsen '88 presidential campaign, traveling with the nominee. In 1984, he was Assistant Press Secretary for the Mondale/Ferraro campaign and during the 1980 Carter/Mondale campaign he was a Regional Press Coordinator.

http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?id=35465

[Feanorcurufinwe]

1. Amazing how many DUers bought into the Repub spin on this.

A 'campaign shakeup' it obviously isn't since no one has lost their job.

[LuminousX]

4. You are right, cleary just a refinement

for the last leg of the election. Since campaigning has different phases that require different talents, it only makes sense to bring in the crew that can bring it home.

[cybildisobedience]

2. great news

Joe Lockhardt is a great addition -- he never fails to make his point and he's not afraid to let them have it.

[Carla in Ca]

3. you say new staff...

Media says "shake-up in the Kerry campaign"