Biden taps ex-Clinton aide as chief of staff

Vice President Joe Biden announced Friday that centrist Democrat Bruce Reed will be his new chief of staff.

Reed, a former Clinton aide and the longtime head of the centrist Democratic Leadership Council (DLC), is the latest in a long line of former Clinton aides to join the Obama administration in recent weeks.

Reed replaces Ron Klain, who announced his return to the private sector earlier this month.

Reed has been working in the Obama administration, most recently as executive director of the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform, also known as the Bowles-Simpson Commission.

"I've known and admired Bruce for over 20 years," Biden said in a statement. "We worked closely together to pass the crime bill in the 1990s and I’ve frequently sought his advice and counsel in the years since. He brings a unique blend of experience and perspective to this position and his leadership will be a tremendous asset to my office, and to the entire White House."

Reed served in the Clinton White House for four years as chief domestic policy adviser, helping shape some of Clinton's most notable and centrist legislative achievements. 

"During this period, he helped President Clinton win passage of landmark welfare reform, the Clinton education agenda, and much more," Biden's office said.

Reed joins new White House chief of staff William Daley and new director of the National Economic Council Gene Sperling as two high-profile Clinton aides who are joining Obama's team.

Biden's office also announced that longtime Biden aide and confidant Mike Donilon is returning to the White House as counselor to the vice president.