May 03, 2010
DCCC Chairman Chris Van Hollen Announces Key Political Staff Appointments
DCCC Chairman Chris Van Hollen today announced three battle-tested veterans of House campaigns to key appointments of the DCCC’s political team: Political Director, Independent Expenditure Director, and senior advisor to the Independent Expenditure campaign.
Jennifer Pihlaja, who currently serves as the DCCC’s Director of Incumbent Retention, will expand her responsibilities to become the committee’s new Political Director. Robby Mook, the current Political Director, will run the DCCC’s 2010 Independent Expenditure (IE) program. John Lapp – former DCCC Executive Director and IE Director – will be a senior advisor to the DCCC Independent Expenditure Program.
“Jennifer Pihlaja and Robby Mook each know what it takes to win tough campaigns. They have the right combination of experience, political know-how and understanding of our races to succeed in this tough political environment,” said DCCC Chairman Chris Van Hollen. “Jennifer and Robby are battle-tested political pros that will ensure our campaigns and the Independent Expenditure run aggressive races.”
“As one of the principal architects of Democrats’ winning the majority in 2006, few people are as invested in House Democrats’ political success as John Lapp,” said DCCC Chairman Chris Van Hollen. “John is one of the best strategists in House politics, and will provide critical support to the DCCC’s Independent Expenditure campaign in a difficult cycle.”
Jennifer Pihlaja, Political Director – This is Jennifer Pihlaja’s second cycle at the DCCC. This cycle, she is leading the effort to protect threatened Democratic incumbents. In the 2008 cycle, she served as Midwest Regional Political Director and helped to engineer significant Democratic gains in the Midwest including picking up six seats and earning two special election victories including former Speaker Dennis Hastert’s congressional seat. She previously worked for EMILY’s List, campaigns, and on the Hill.
Robby Mook, Independent Expenditure Director – Robby Mook has served as the DCCC’s Political Director since the beginning of 2009. Before joining the committee, he managed Senator Jeanne Shaheen’s (NH) successful 2008 campaign for the United States Senate. Robby previously worked for then-Senator Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign in Nevada, Ohio, and Indiana.
John Lapp, Independent Expenditure Senior Advisor – John Lapp served as DCCC Executive Director in 2006 under then Chairman Rahm Emanuel, and later as the DCCC Independent Expenditure Director. Lapp is credited with being one of the principal architects of the Democrats’ winning the House Majority in 2006. He served as a consultant to the DCCC during the successful 2008 campaign that strengthened the Democratic House Majority. Lapp has had a long career in Democratic politics, leading successful candidate and issue advocacy campaigns for many years. He is a partner at Ralston Lapp Media.
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