Projo Politics Blog

WASHINGTON -- Michael Steele, the embattled chairman of the Republican National Committee, has officially announced his choice of Ken McKay, a former top aide to Rhode Island Gov.Carcieri, as the RNC's new chief of staff.

"I am excited to have such an outstanding leader become part of our team. Ken's background and expertise will help revitalize the RNC and elect more Republicans," Steele said.

In a statement issued this afternoon, Steele went on to say: "McKay brings extensive campaign leadership experience. He successfully managed Governor Donald Carcieri's (RI) gubernatorial win in 2002, and his reelection in 2006, winning two statewide campaigns in a decidedly blue state. He also served as chief of staff for the governor, giving him experience in managing a very large and complex organization.''

As chief of staff, McKay will be charged with the day-to-day operations of the RNC, including overseeing personnel and managing resources.

Steele said: "Ken has proven that voters in both parties gravitate to reform-minded conservative governance, and that our principles can work in all parts of this country. I'm excited about the fresh approach from out in the states that Ken will bring to the RNC," said Steele.

Earlier today, RNC spokesman Jon Thompson steered a reporter to the Washington blog Politico for details of the decision by Steele to hire McKay. Thompson said Politico was also accurate in its description of an e-mail to top supporters touting McKay's experience managing two statewide campaigns for a pro life and pro gun candidate in a very blue state."

The e-mail went on to say:"Ken brings a ton of experience both in the campaign world and in government, and he brings a fresh approach from out in the states. Time and again our national party has found success by adopting innovations and strategies that come from out in the states, particularly from governors.''

Rhode Island GOP chairman Giovanni Cicione praised the appointment, saying: "Ken has a proven track record of electing Republicans in challenging environments. ... As our party rebuilds in the Northeast, his perspective will be invaluable."

McKay, Carcieri's campaign manager for his winning 2002 and 2006 campaigns and first-term chief of staff, left the State House in June 2006 for the campaign season. He then joined the law firm of Brown Rudnick, which has offices in Providence, Washington, Boston, Hartford and London, and then went off on his own.

The original version of this posting was filed at 12:04 p.m. today

 Tags  Carcieri Ken McKay Politico.com Rhode Island RNC

---