Potomac Flacks

Klobachur Hires Star-Trib Editorial Writer

The Minneapolis Star-Tribune is reporting that their veteran editorial writer, Dave Hage, is going to be Sen. Amy Klobuchar's (D-Minn.) new communications director.

According to the Star-Tribune, "Hage, 52, will take over Klobuchar's fledgling press operation, which has seen some turnover since she came to office in January. Her first communications director, Semonti Mustaphi, left earlier this year to work for Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa." (Minneapolis Star-Tribune and Romenesko)

Dittus Hires Chris Kelley Cimko

Dittus Communications recently named Chris Kelley Cimko head of their Public Affairs Practice. Cimko, according to a Dittus press release, is "a seasoned public relations veteran with more than 35 years of experience in Washington." Cimko comes to Dittus from ICF International, where she led activities in the strategic communications practice, focused on defense, homeland security and public diplomacy. Cimko also previously served as managing director of public affairs at Burson-Marsteller in Washington, and held high-level positions at Edelman, the Senate Armed Services Committee, as Press Secretary for U.S. Senator Strom Thurmond (R-SC) and as spokeswoman for then-Secretary of Defense Dick Cheney. (Washington Post's K Street column / Dittus Press Release)

UPDATE: Philbin Speaks Out

MediaBistro's PRNewser has obtained internal documents about Pat Philbin's departure - including a response directly from Philbin.

First of all, Philbin sent a letter to his staff on October 18 stating that he was taking a new job at ODNI - long before the "fake press conference."

After the letter was posted, Philbin responded directly to PRNewser about the situation stating that what he did was wrong.

And, check out the internal all-staff memo that was sent to FEMA staff today about Philbin, the fake press conference and moving forward.

Do you think this will all be over on Tuesday or continue throughout the week? Your guess is as good as mine.

UPDATE: Philbin not Taking Job

John "Pat" Philbin, the FEMA official who oversaw a fake news conference last week, will not be taking a job today as the chief spokesman for National Intelligence Director Mike McConnell, the Associated Press says. The wire service quotes an intelligence official who says the agency is reevaluating Philbin's record in light of the high-profile incident, which featured government employees posing as reporters during a hastily arranged briefing on the agency's response to the southern California wildfires. (USA Today)

Philbin Moves On from FEMA

Pat Philbin has been named as the new head of public affairs at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) spokeswoman Vanee Vines said. He was previously the Director of External Affairs at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). (Washington Post)

Sherman's New Press Secretary

Roger Lotz has been hired as Press Secretary for Rep. Brad Sherman (D-CA). Lotz was a public affairs specialist with the research and innovation technological administration at the Transportation Department. (CQ People on the Move)

Thompson's New Role at Campaign for America's Future

The Campaign for America's Future (CAF) has promoted Anne Thompson from communications associate to senior media specialist. Anne is now editing videos for CAF. A clip from one of her videos was just heard on NPR's All Things Considered (PF Tipster)

Burgess Likes Bean(s)

Lauren Bean is the new press assistant for Rep. Michael Burgess (R-TX). (Congress Daily AM's People column)

Voles Leaves Clinton's Senate Office

Lorraine Voles, Sen. Clinton's communications director in her Senate office, has left to be an independent consultant. (PF Tipster)

SEN. GREGG HIRES NEW COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR, COMMITTEE PRESS SECRETARY

Today, Andrea Wuebker has returned to the Senate in her first day on the job as Communications Director in the personal office of Sen. Judd Gregg (R-NH). Wuebker was previously Press Secretary to Sen. Norm Coleman (R-MN) but left the hill in 2005 to join the White House Office of Management and Budget as its Deputy Press Secretary.

Emma Post has joined Sen. Gregg's Budget Committee team as Press Secretary. Post, an Ohio native and graduate of Bucknell University, was recently an an Account Executive at Hill & Knowlton, and previously worked on Capitol Hill for Congressman Bob Ney (R-OH) and Senator George Voinovich (R-OH).

Betsy Holahan is Gregg's long-time Committee Communications Director. (PF tipster)