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Dodd Campaign: Announces Key Iowa Campaign Hires
3/5/2007

Dodd announces Director, Press Secretary of Iowa campaign
Contact:
Christy Setzer
Cell - (860) 331-1913
Office - (202) 737-DODD (3633)

Reid Wilson
Cell - (860) 707-2246
Office - (202) 737-DODD (3633)

DES MOINES - Chris Dodd for President announced today the hire of Des Moines native Marc Beltrame to head Dodd's Iowa campaign, and Taylor West as Iowa press secretary. Beltrame is a longtime senior staffer for central Iowa Congressman Leonard Boswell and a veteran Iowa political activist. West most recently worked as press secretary on newly elected Iowa Governor Chet Culver's campaign.

Senator Dodd praised the two for their records of service and expressed appreciation for their support. "Marc is a rising leader in the Iowa Democratic Party, and his addition to my campaign will be a huge boost. I'm honored that such a distinguished public servant has chosen to join my team. Taylor is a campaign veteran whose work electing Governor Culver makes her invaluable to my operation.

As I travel around the state speaking to Iowans about our ideas for changing this country, I'll be grateful to have Marc and Taylor by my side to offer counsel and guidance. "

Prior to joining Congressman Boswell's staff, Marc was a Des Moines trial lawyer and citizen activist, having served on a number non-profit and community boards dedicated to neighborhood and economic development. A recent graduate of the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute, Marc was recently named as a member of the 2007 Des Moines Business Record's prestigious "40 Under 40" class of young professionals. Marc received his Bachelor of Arts and law degrees from the University of Iowa and served as student body president.

Gordon Fischer, former Democratic Party Chair, said of Beltrame, "Marc Beltrame is as brilliant as the surface of the sun. His hire automatically makes Chris Dodd a major player in Iowa."

"Adding someone with Marc's talent and experience as director is a great first step to building a campaign in Iowa. It sends a strong signal that Senator Dodd intends to compete to win in Iowa," said Gary Dickey, Jr., a former policy advisor and general counsel to Governor Tom Vilsack.

West previously worked in Virginia politics, as Communications Director for Harris Miller's Senate race, and as deputy research director for Tim Kaine's gubernatorial campaign. West stayed on as deputy policy director after Kaine took office. She is a graduate of Duke University.

Said Beltrame, "Iowans are ready for a president with real experience and real ideas about how to get America back on track after enduring six years of the Bush-Cheney presidency. From authoring the Family Medical and Leave Act at home to solving foreign policy problems across the globe, Chris Dodd is the strongest leader in this race. I'm so honored to be part of his team."


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