Democrat Mark Udall’s campaign for U.S. made official today the hiring of Mike Melanson as campaign manager – a move that was first reported here at Colorado Confidential on Sunday. According to a press release from Udall’s campaign:
Congressman Mark Udall (D-Eldorado Springs) continues to build momentum for his campaign for U.S. Senate. Today he announced his decision to hire Mike Melanson as Campaign Manager and Jennifer Rokala as Finance Director. Last week, Udall reported that he has $1.5 million cash-on-hand for the 2008 race.
Rokala is a longtime staffer for Udall’s congressional campaigns. Click below for the full press release:
Congressman Mark Udall (D-Eldorado Springs) continues to build momentum for his campaign for U.S. Senate. Today he announced his decision to hire Mike Melanson as Campaign Manager and Jennifer Rokala as Finance Director. Last week, Udall reported that he has $1.5 million cash-on-hand for the 2008 race.
Melanson is the former Executive Director of the State Democratic Party and has most recently worked with the bipartisan consulting firm of Ikon Public Affairs. While at Ikon, he specialized in strategic campaign management and consulted on a variety of campaigns.
“I am very excited to have Mike’s varied political background and experience as I build my campaign for the U.S. Senate,” said Udall. “Mike knows Colorado, he understands the challenges facing working families, and he’s worked across party lines to get things done. That’s what my campaign for the U.S. Senate will be about-breaking the mold of bitter and partisan politics, and bringing Coloradans together to get things done for hardworking families.”
Rokala served as Udall’s Deputy Chief of Staff from 1999-2002 and has managed his last two re-election campaigns. She was the Finance Director of the Democratic Governors’ Association in 1997-1999 and the Deputy Western States Finance Director for the Clinton-Gore Re-Election campaign.
“Jennifer has played a valuable leadership role on my previous campaigns and I am grateful that she has accepted this important position as well,” said Udall. “With her extensive fundraising background, she will build the strong finance team necessary to make my candidacy a successful one.”
