Walz Campaign Manager to Work for Mike Ciresi

Kerry Greeley, Tim Walz's 2006 campaign manager, has agreed to become the campaign manager for Mike Ciresi's 2008 Minnesota senatorial bid, Minnesota Monitor and Vox Verax learned Sunday night. Greeley is credited by many political insiders as having been the key element to Walz's surprising victory last fall. Certainly, her organizational skills provided the glue to bring together Walz's drive, strong campaign presence and significant grassroots following.

In addition, Greeley brought to the Walz campaign access to money and media.

Greeley has said that she was not interested in helming a Walz reelection bid, her sights being set on a senatorial contest. Some had thought she might be brought onto the Al Franken campaign given Franken and Walz's close rapport. That's why her decision, which has yet to be formally announced, will be a surprise to many Minnesota DFL watchers.

Some feel that Ciresi will face an uphill battle against Franken, who is much better known among apolitical voters. At least one observer of the Minnesota scene has pointed out that the senate seat currently occupied by Norm Coleman has been held by someone with Jewish ancestry since 1978. Al Franken's background is Jewish.

Al Franken's campaign did not wish to comment on this story. More on Kerry Greeley is here.