Executive director Jim Farrell will join New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson's presidential campaign as deputy state director in Iowa on Oct. 1. His chief responsibility will be handling the Democrat's communications in Iowa.
“Democrats must win the White House, and I can't stay out of it,” Farrell said.
As the primary Democratic spokesman, Farrell stirred up controversy in Montana, with attacks on top Republican officeholders. On at least one occasion, top Republicans demanded Farrell's ouster, but Democrats ignored the call.
Also leaving the Democratic Party staff are Jessica Rhoades, the party's communications director, and Chris Laslovich, its field director. Rhoades started Monday as Western regional field director, based in Helena, for Planned Parenthood Federation of America. Next week, Laslovich will become a lead organizer, based in Helena, for Service Employees International Union Local 775 of Seattle.
“They were the first hires I made,” Farrell said. “They're wonderfully talented and wonderful young people, and both of them set the standard for young people in public service in Montana.”
That leaves only two staff members remaining, Bryce Bennett, western field organizer, based in Whitefish, and Josh Mann, eastern field organizer, based in Billings.
Farrell said the party typically gears down in non-election years and builds up its staff in election years.
“The party will be fine,” Farrell said. “Parties go through transitions continually. Parties continually need new blood, fresh horses and fresh eyes on the work we do, and we're stronger because of it. These are jobs that are fluid. This is a productive transition that is typical for dynamic and growing state party organizations.”
He's confident the Montana Democratic Party will be even stronger in the future “because of the work that this team did to strengthen the foundation of the party.”
Farrell, 43, was hired by state Democratic Party chairman Dennis McDonald of Melville and began working here in early September 2005.
“This team has been fantastic and moved the ball forward mightily for Montana Democrats,” Farrell said.
The team's highlight was helping former state Senate President Jon Tester unseat Republican U.S. Sen. Conrad Burns in 2006.
In addition, Farrell said Montana Democrats have “a much stronger grassroots presence in every part of the state today, particularly in rural Montana where we were weak.”
The state party also is in much stronger financial condition today, Farrell said.
It will be up to McDonald to hire the new executive director, who in turn will hire people to fill the other vacancies. McDonald was on a wilderness pack trip and unavailable for comment Thursday.
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