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By Manu Raju and Jim Snyder
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Posted: 10/25/07 07:14 PM [ET] |
A former top aide to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) will return in a part-time role to help Democrats craft a winning 2008 message.
Susan McCue resigned as Reid’s chief of staff a year ago to become president and CEO of ONE, an anti-poverty campaign launched by the rock star Bono.
But McCue announced Wednesday that she is stepping down to start her own consulting firm that will focus on politics and communications. On top of that, she plans to work about 10 hours a week advising Reid on a “long-term messaging strategy,” according to a top Democratic leadership aide.
Senate Democrats have been frustrated this year at their inability to pass major legislation under a slim two-seat majority. Prospects look better for the party in 2008, when 22 Senate Republicans will have to defend their seats, versus 12 Senate Democrats up for reelection.
Still, Democratic leaders seem increasingly nervous about their dismal poll numbers. The House Democratic Caucus, for example, is planning a public relations blitz starting next month to improve its public image.
“2008 will be an important and pivotal year for our party, and it’s going to take an all-hands-on-deck approach,” said Rodell Mollineau, Reid’s communications director.
“We have much to accomplish in the next 12 months and we’re glad Susan will be helping us move that ball forward.”
In addition to helping Reid craft an election strategy, McCue will continue to work as a senior consultant to ONE.
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