Key People-Rep. Michele Bachmann

Key People-Rep. Michele Bachmann
Bachmann for President P.O. Box 251310, Woodbury, Minnesota 55125 [website]

updated August 30, 2014

Candidate Rep. Michele Bachmann

Husband Marcus Bachmann

President of Bachmann & Associates, Christian consulting firm with offices in Lake Elmo and Burnsville, has been a clinical therapist in the Twin Cities for more than 20 years. Doctorate degree in clinical psychology from Union Graduate Institute in Cincinnati, Ohio. Masters degree in education/counseling from Regent University in Virginia Beach.

Campaign Manager Keith Nahigian

(started as senior advisor for strategy and communications; announced as interim campaign manager on Sept. 5, 2011) President of Nahigian Strategies, LLC. (established May 2000) and has fulfilled the communications strategies objectives for the nation's most prominent presidential candidates, Congressional candidates, governors and Fortune 100 corporations. Consultant to the Department of Health and Human Services, starting in 2004. Director of strategic planning and senior political advisor on Sen. John McCain's 2000 presidential campaign. Worked on the 1996 presidential campaigns of Steve Forbes as director of candidate operations and then on Sen. Bob Dole's campaign as deputy director of candidate operations/director of advance. Senior advisor for communications to Gov. Christine Todd Whitman of New Jersey, 1993-99; director of candidate operations on Whitman's 1993 and 1997 campaigns. Lead advance rep. for Vice President Dan Quayle at the White House, 1990-93. B.S. in history from the College of Wooster, 1990. Cleveland native.

Chief of Staff Elizabeth Pinkerton

(July 2011) Previously partner at Baker Pinkerton, LLC, from April 2009. Special Assistant to the President at the White House, 2007-09. Director of intergovernmental affairs at the U.S. Department of Commerce, 2001-06. Assistant to the Speaker of the South Carolina House of Representatives, 1998-2001. Assistant to the chief of staff in the Office of the Governor, 1992-98. B.A. in public affairs from Columbia College.

Senior Policy Advisor Brett O'Donnell

President of O'Donnell and Associates, a political consulting firm. Director of messaging for the McCain-Palin presidential campaign overseeing the implementation of the McCain message, particularly in debates and speeches. Served as coach of Liberty University's debate team for 18 years. In 2004 the Bush-Cheney campaign retained O'Donnell to assist President Bush in debate preparation. He has consulted on many other races.

Press Secretary/Spokeswoman Alice Stewart

(started early June 2011) Worked on communications for the NRSC and the NRCC in the 2010 midterm elections. Managed State Sen. Gilbert Baker's 2010 campaign for the Republican U.S. Senate nomination in Arkansas. Press secretary on Mike Huckabee's 2008 presidential campaign; previously press secretary to Huckabee in the Governor's Office starting in September 2005. A weekend anchor and reporter for KARK-TV in Little Rock; joined the station in 1998. Started at a television station in Dothan, AL, and later worked at stations in Atlanta, GA and Savannah, GA. Graduate of the Grady School of Journalism at the University of Georgia in Athens, 1988. Atlanta native.

Senior Advisor/Coalitions Bob Heckman

(started the latter part of May 2011) Principal at Capital City Partners. Veteran political consultant with 30 years of experience in national campaigns including seven presidential campaigns. Director of conservative outreach on McCain-Palin. Senior consultant to Gary Bauer's presidential campaign. Liaison to conservative organizations on Phil Gramm's presidential campaign. Chairman of the Fund for a Conservative Majority. Deputy director for national coalitions on the Bush-Quayle campaign in 1992. Senior consultant to the Jack Kemp campaign. Directed the "Citizens for Reagan" independent-expenditure campaigns in 1980 and 1984.

National Political Director Guy Short

(announced as national political director on Oct. 10, 2011; initally served as senior advisor/finance)Served as Bachmann's general consultant in 2010, helping her raise a record $13.5 million dollars. Other recent clients have included Christine O'Donnell for Senate and Todd Akin for Senate, as well as Susan B Anthony List and Independent Women's Voice. Served as Vice President of Wiland Direct, a political direct marketing firm, starting in Jan. 2009. Chief of staff to Congresswoman Marilyn Musgrave, 2003-08; managed her 2002 campaign. B.S. in political science from UC Santa Barbara, 1991.

Social Media Advisor Becki Donatelli

Founder and president of Campaign Solutions/Connell Donatelli. Chief Internet consultant on John McCain's two presidential campaigns and managed the successful online fundraising efforts for Bush-Cheney '04. "An online political pioneer, Donatelli is the first person to raise money on the Internet." A founding partner of a large real estate and property management firm in the Washington, DC metro region. A founding director of The George Washington National Bank and a regional director of BB&T Bank. Served on the national staff of the original Citizens for Reagan in 1976. B.A. in LAS/intetnational relations from the University of Southern California, 1975. California native. Donatelli also took on a leadership role for SarahPAC in early 2009 but resigned in April after just a couple of months.

National Finance Director Jody Thomas

(reported July 8, 2011) Most recently served as finance director on Newt Gingrich's campaign; left the campaign June 21, 2011. Has worked as a fundraising consultant since Aug. 2010. Principal at Sagac Public Affairs, 2002-July 2010. Director of public liaison at the Office of Personnel Management, 2001-02. Political and finance director to Rep. J.C. Watts, 1995-2001. Undergraduate degree from University of Central Oklahoma, 1985.

National Finance Director Mary Heitman

(reported July 8, 2011) Most recently served as finance consultant on Newt Gingrich's campaign; left the campaign June 21, 2011. Finance director at the RNC (announced May 7, 2010, succeeding Rob Bickhart). A principal at Sagac Public Affairs. Principal at MHeitman Associates, LLC, 2001-08. Finance director of the Republican Governors Association, 1998-2001. Deputy finance director of the RNC under Chairman Haley Barbour, 1993-96. M.S. in higher education, 1981; B.S. in education from Bowling Green State University, 1979.

National Finance Chairman James L. Pollack

(announced Oct. 24, 2011) "business executive, has had a number of significant business investments, primarily in Illinois, Minnesota and Florida."

Also

communications Danielle Hagen

Vice president, communications at Nahigian Strategies, started in Sept. 2010. Previously senior account executive at Wordsworth Communications. M.A. in business communication (2008) and B.A. in communication (2005) from University of Cincinnati.

Media Consultant The Strategy Group for Media

(reported by Politico) Rex Elsass is founder president and CEO of The Strategy Group for Media.

Counsel J. Christian Adams

Served five years in the Voting Rights Section at the U.S. Department of Justice. Formerly general counsel to the South Carolina Secretary of State. J.D. from University of South Carolina Law School, 1993. Author of INJUSTICE: Exposing the Racial Agenda of the Obama Justice Department (Regnery, Oct. 3, 2011).

Endorsements
Phyllis Schlafly (announced Dec. 5, 2011)
Katie Baker, editor of Teabook News (announced Oct. 21, 2011)

Congressional Co-Chair Congressman Trent Franks (AZ-2)

(announced Dec. 1, 2011) Elected in 2002. Four and a half years as executive director of the Arizona Family Research Institute, a non-profit organization associated with Dr. James Dobson's Focus on the Family. Served in the Arizona House of Representatives, 1985-87.

IOWA

Headquarters: 2775 86th Street, Urbandale, IA 50322 ...grand opening on July 9, 2011

Campaign Chairman Sen. Kent Sorenson

(announced switch to Ron Paul on Dec. 28, 2011*; first reported as political director designee by CNN on March 24, 2011; although Sorenson later said the report was "kind of premature") From Indianola. Elected to the Iowa Senate, representing District 37 in 2010, defeating incumbent Staci Appel (D). Elected to the Iowa House, representing District 74 in 2008 and served one term. Owner/operator of Pro Kleen Building Maintenance, 2004-09.

Campaign Co-Chair Sen. Brad Zaun

(announced June 28, 2011) State senator first elected in 2004 representing NW Des Moines and Urbandale, also is an Assistant Republican Leader. Republican nominee for Congress in the 3rd CD in 2010, losing to incumbent Rep. Leonard Boswell. Mayor of Urbandale, 1998-2005; Urbandale city council member, 1996-98. Owner and operator of Zaun's Trustworthy Hardware in Urbandale for 18 years. Bachelor's degree from Grand View College. Born and raised in Des Moines.

Campaign Co-Chair Tamara Scott

(announced Nov. 18, 2011) Iowa director for Concerned Women for America, a national grassroots public policy organization based in Washington, DC; previously served as the CWA legislative liaison. Norwalk resident.

Campaign Manager Eric Woolson

(announced as campaign manager Oct. 27, 2011; previously announced on Sept. 21, 2011 as leading the Iowa communications effort) State spokesman and senior consultant on the Pawlenty for President campaign. President and CEO of The Concept Works, a public, media and government relations and crisis management firm in West Des Moines that he founded in 2002. Campaign manager for Mike Huckabee's 2007-08 Iowa caucus campaign; started as coordinator of Huckabee's Hope for America PAC in June 2006. Communications director on then Gov. George W. Bush's Iowa caucus campaign, 1999-2000. Communications director for Gov. Terry Branstad during his final term. Previously worked for 20 years as a member of the Iowa press corps. O.Kay Henderson notes on Radio Iowa, the blog (June 13, 2006) that, "Woolson left the Waterloo Courier in 1987 to work as press secretary for Delaware Senator Joe Biden’s Iowa effort." He is also author of Grassley: Senator from Iowa (Mid-Prairie Books, Nov. 1995).

Deputy Campaign Manager Wes Enos

(fired Dec. 29, 2011 in fallout over Sorenson; announced as deputy campaign manager Oct. 27, 2011; initially political director; first reported on the campaign by Mark Zdechlik of MPR on April 4, 2011) Enos is an independent contractor and a member of the Republican Party of Iowa State Central Committee (since Sept. 2008). Candidate for State Senate in District 13, losing the June 2010 primary. In the 2008 cycle he served as Iowa political director on Huckabee for President; campaign manager on Peter Teahen for Congress, and a fundraising consultant to the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association. Worked for Nationwide Insurance. Republican nominee for Polk County's 3rd Supervisor District, 2006. Central Iowa deputy director on Vander Plaats for Governor, 2005-06. B.A. from Grand View College in Des Moines. Altoona native; resident of Bondurant.

Field

Northwest Chris Dorr

Northeast Emma Nemecek

President and CEO of Music 2 Link US Productions, Inc. Experience includes election volunteer coordinator for the National Rifle Association, chair of the National Federation of Filipino American Republicans, past president of the All Nations Association, Linn County chair for the Matthew Schultz for Secretary of State campaign, and 2nd CD representative for 2008 presidential candidates Sam Brownback and John McCain. Republican nominee for State House against Ro Foege in 2006 and 2008. Resident of Mount Vernon Rapids. B.S. in Management from Colegio de San Agustin in the Philippines. Born in Basilan City, Philippines.

Central and parts of Southwest Tony Eastman

From Indianola. A former youth minister who has also worked in the financial services sector, was a volunteer on then-state Rep. Kent Sorensen's winning 2010 campaign for the Iowa Senate. Dorr worked for the Ron Paul campaign in 2008, worked on Sorenson's 2010 campaign and served as his legislative assistant this year.

Southeast Mark Doland

From Oskaloosa. An ordained minister who has served as a precinct captain for Mike Huckabee's 2008 presidential campaign. He was the pastor coalition director for the 2010 Bob Vander Plaats for Governor campaign, a candidate recruiter for the Iowa Family Policy Center Action and campaign manager for former state Rep. Danny Carroll. Doland currently serves as the county co-chair for Mahaska County Republican Central Committee.

Faith Leader Dr. Peter E. Waldron

(also referred to as Coordinator of Church/Pastor Outreach; focus on Iowa and South Carolina) In Feb. 2011 co-founded with Paul Louis Cole a group called Advancing American Freedom. In 2006, Waldron was in Uganda as founder of City of Faith Ministries Inc. and an advisor to the president of the Contact America Group Inc. when he was deported as a terrorism suspect. "He has worked seven presidential campaigns since 1980."

Faith Leader Drew Klein

(reported by DMR's Jennifer Jacobs on June 21, 2011) Previously organizational director for the Iowa Faith & Freedom Coalition.

Home School Coalition Director Barbara Heki

(reported by DMR's Jennifer Jacobs on June 21, 2011) From Johnston. Recently worked as a grassroots strategist on the state of Iowa for Freedom, the successful campaign to remove three Iowa Supreme Court justices. Board member of the Network of Iowa Christian Home Educators. A key volunteer with the Huckabee and Vander Plaats campaigns, focused on recruiting home-school voters. She also is the volunteer Iowa director of ParentalRights.org.

College Outreach Leader Alex Latcham

(announced Nov. 11, 2011) Student at Drake University; Des Moines native.

Tea Party Outreach Director Ryan Rhodes

(announced Dec. 1, 2011) Chairman of the Iowa Tea Party. Previously worked as political director for Iowa congressional candidate Dave Funk in 2010 and as a consultant for the Iowa Senate Republican Fund on six campaigns during the 2010 cycle.

Advance Director Megan McGreal Ferraro

(announced Nov. 11, 2011; oversee the planning, scheduling and execution of all campaign events and event staff) Associate at Nahigian Strategies, LLC starting in Fall 2006; she also has experience on the McCain-Palin and Bush-Cheney '04 campaigns. B.A. in political science from Villanova University.

Lead Advance Craig Handzlik

(announced Nov. 11, 2011; oversee the logistics and execution of all Iowa events) Experience includes advance work on the McCain-Palin campaign as well as as lead advance to HHS Secretary Michael Leavitt.

Director of Voter Identification and Field Operations Steven Hensler

(announced Dec. 29, 2011) Phone bank director on Cain's campaign from June 2011. Hensler's experience includes aide to an Iowa state Senator, sales representative for Victory Enterprises, Inc., Dane County coordinator and social media on the Chad Lee for Congress campaign in Wisconsin in 2010, and team leader for Two Men and a Truck. He has studied at Christ for the Nations and Madison Area Technical College.

County Chairs in 91 of Iowa's 99 Counties

(announced Dec. 9, 2011)

Endorsements by Elected Officials
Sen. Nancy J. Boettger of Harlan (Shelby Co.) announced July 1, 2011
Sen. Mark Chelgren of Ottumwa (Wapello Co.) announced July 2, 2011
Sen. Kent Sorenson of Indianola (Warren Co.) March 2011
Sen. Jack Whitver of Ankeny (Polk Co.) announced June 21, 2011
Sen. Brad Zaun of Urbandale (Polk Co.) announced June 28, 2011

More Endorsements
22 additional pastors and faith leaders   announced Dec. 30, 2011
39 [37] Northwest Leaders announced Nov. 25, 2011
64 Southeast Leaders announced Oct. 31, 2011
former Iowa Family Leader Chairman Danny Carroll   announced Aug. 8, 2011
More than 100 pastors and faith leaders   announced Aug. 5, 2011

*Postscript:
Things got messy after the campaign. In July 2012 Barb Heki filed a lawsuit against Bachmann and top campaign aides over theft and misuse of a list from Network of Iowa Christian Home Educators (NICHE). In Jan. 2013 Peter Waldron raised the issue of nonpayment to some Iowa staff [press release], and on Jan. 28, he filed a Senate ethics complaint including the charge that Kent Sorenson had secretly received compensation estimated at $7,500 to serve as Iowa chairman of the campaign. ("The money laundering process engaged by Senator Sorenson, BFP and MichelePAC officials was to overpay a third party, C&M Strategies, a Colorado firm.") In May Iowa Supreme Court Justice Mark Cady appointed attorney Mark E. Weinhardt as independent counsel to the Senate Ethics Committee to investigate the charges against Sorenson. Meanwhile in August new allegations emerged that Sorenson had secretly been negotiating with the Ron Paul campaign. On Oct. 2, Weinhardt released a report, finding probable cause to believe that Sorenson had violated ethics rules; Sorenson resigned from the Senate. On Aug. 27, 2014 Sorenson pleaded guilty to two counts [press release]. The scandal could also affect several former Ron Paul staffers; on Aug. 29 former Paul campaign chairman Jesse Benton resigned from his position as chairman of Sen. Mitch McConnell's re-election campaign citing "inaccurate press accounts and unsubstantiated media rumors about me and my role in past campaigns."

Kevin Hall. "Former Staffer Sues Bachmann, Sorenson Over NICHE List Misuse." The Iowa Republican, July 31, 2012.
Kevin Diaz. "Ex-Bachmann aide alleges campaign finance violations." Star Tribune, Jan. 13, 2013.
Kevin Hall. "Woolson Affidavit: Sorenson Admitted Taking NICHE List, Bachmann Campaign Knew." The Iowa Republican, Feb. 7, 2013.
Craig Robinson. "The Payoff - Details Revealed on Sorenson's Deal with Ron Paul." The Iowa Republican, Aug. 6, 2013.
Russ Choma. "Ron Paul Campaign Accused of Trying to Buy Iowa Endorsements" OpenSecrets.org, Aug. 7, 2013.
Jason Noble and Jennifer Jacobs. "Kent Sorenson resigns after report finds he received money from Bachmann campaign." Des Moines Register, Oct. 2, 2013.
Matea Gold. "Former Iowa state senator pleads guilty in Ron Paul endorsement-for-pay scheme." Washington Post, Aug. 27, 2014.

New Hampshire

Campaign Coordinator Ajay Bruno

(briefly, from Dec. 21, 2011-Jan. 4, 2012) Bruno, from Jackson, NJ, has experience on more than half a dozen campaigns and hosts an Internet talk radio show.

Previous staff:

On Oct. 21, 2011 James Pindell of WMUR Political Scoop reported that "all of Michele Bachmann's paid staff in New Hampshire have quit en masse." Describing the "mutiny," the Union Leader's John DiStaso wrote that the New Hampshire staff "quit out of frustration with her national handlers, who essentially have blown off the first-primary state."

Hours after these reports came out, campaign manager Keith Nahigian issued the following statement:

"We have a great team in New Hampshire and we have not been notified that anyone is leaving the campaign. We look forward to spending more time in the Granite State between now and the primary, but our campaign has emphasized that our main focus is the first-in-the-nation caucus state of Iowa and we are continuing to build efforts there. While she will campaign in other states, Michele will spend the majority of her time in Iowa, doing what she does better than all the other candidates - retail politics - leading up to the all important caucuses."

Former NH senior advisor Karen Testerman provided an explanation in an Oct. 23, 2011 press release. In part she wrote:

"...The manner in which some in the national team conducted themselves towards Team-NH was rude, unprofessional, dishonest, and at times cruel. But more concerning was how abrasive, discourteous, and dismissive some within the national team were towards many New Hampshire citizens."

To which Nahigian responded:

"The unauthorized news release was sent by a person who doesn't even work for the campaign and has never had authority to speak on behalf of the campaign," said her campaign manager, Keith Nahigian. "We are not responding to comments made by a person who was not even a staff member in New Hampshire. Our focus is on Iowa."

Senior Advisor (Campaign Manager) Jeff Chidester

Chidester, who has helped with Bachmann's early trips, has a radio show (+) on Sunday mornings at 11:00 am on 96.7 The Wave and WGIR AM 610.

Director of Operations Mattheu LeDuc

(reported by John DiStaso on June 16, 2011) Worked on Jack Kimball's campaign for governor, 2009-10.

Southern NH Field Director Caroline Gigler

(reported by John DiStaso on June 16, 2011) Seacoast regional field coordinator for NH GOP Victory in 2010.

Nicole Yurek

of Raymond.

Tom Lukacz

(reported by John DiStaso on June 16, 2011) Ran Jack Kimball's campaign for governor. From Portsmouth; originally from Massachusetts.

Senior Advisor Karen Testerman

Founder and CEO of First Principles. Finished third in the 2010 Republican gubernatorial primary, and has also run for state representative a couple of times. Co-founder of Cornerstone Policy Research (2000), served as executive director and stayed with the organizatin for eight and a half years. The Testerman family moved to Mont Vernon, NH in 1993, and now live in Franklin. B.S. in microbiology from San Jose State University.

South Carolina

Senior Advisor Ron Thomas

(announced Oct. 10, 2011) Served as President George W. Bush’s appointee as deputy assistant secretary for policy in the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Former vice chairman of the South Carolina Republican Party, elected 2004. Graduate of USMA at West Point, 1997 and graduate of the USC School of Law, 2004.

Senior Advisor and Communications Director Wesley Donehue

(announced Nov. 2, 2011) CEO of Donehue Direct, a Columbia, SC-based political consulting and Internet strategy firm. He currently serves as the political director and spokesman for the SC Senate Republican Caucus and the general consultant for numerous members of the SC General Assembly. Donehue is currently the senior Internet consultant for campaigns across the country, including Congressman Joe Wilson in South Carolina. In the 2010 cycle he served as a strategist for the SC Republican Party.

State Chairman Senator Lee Bright

(announced Nov. 15, 2011) Elected to the Senate in 2008, representing District 12 (Spartanburg County); from Roebuck. Previously served the 6th District of the Spartanburg County School Board. Founder and CEO of On Time Transportation, Inc..

State Director Sheri Few

(hiring as staff reported by Politico on July 27) Few organized Bachmann's early SC trips. A wife, mother, small business owner, activist from Lugoff (Kershaw County, northeast Columbia area). President, CEO and co-founder of the nonprofit South Carolina Parents Involved in Education (SC PIE), which does abstinence education. Project coordinator for Palmetto Family Council's Palmetto Marriage Project. Owner of Few Consultation Service (FCS), which has developed and published an abstinence education curriculum. Few has run for SC House District 79 three times, in 2010, 2008 and 2006. She has also served as chairwoman of the Kershaw County GOP.

Assistant to the Director Gavin Smith

(announced Nov. 2) A college student studying international business and political science and plans to attend law school; recently founded and serves as president and CEO of a non-profit designed for students living in financial crisis in the Midlands of South Carolina.

Upstate Coordinator Natalie Lennon

(hiring as staff reported by Politico on July 27) From Greenville County. Worked on the Gresham Barrett campaign for South Carolina Governor in 2010. Degree in political science from Bob Jones University.

Upstate Chairman Rep. Bill Chumley

(announced Nov. 15, 2011) Elected in 2010 represent District 35. Farmer; founder and president of Chumley Enterprises, a landscaping business. He and his wife Faye co-founded Southern Shade Nursery; he also started Reidville Products International, and Drainbox. Native of Spartanburg County.

Midlands Coordinator Patsy Dabney

A real estate agent and longtime conservative activist who has served as campaign manager and lead volunteer for various state house campaigns.

Low Country Coordinator Taylor Mason

Junior at USC-Beaufort where he served as chairman of the College Republicans. In 2010 he worked with the Joe Wilson campaign.

Tea Party Coalition

Co-Chairs Javan Browder and Kelly Payne
(announced Nov. 28, 2011 along with 35 members)

19 former Cain supporters
(announced Dec. 6, 2011) including:
Rep. Ralph Norman of Rock Hill
Matt Gottlieb, former Herman Cain Richland County chairman

Grassroots Team

(announced Dec. 27, 2011) including five S.C. Republican Party executive committeemen, former GOP county chairmen, and local GOP officers and executive committee members.

Minnesota

Endorsements
Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch and House Majority Leader Matt Dean (announced Oct. 28, 2011)

Tennessee

Finance Chairman Bill Hemrick

(announced July 21, 2011) From Franklin, TN. Founder of the Upper Deck trading card company. Founded the National Fiscal Conservative PAC (NFC-PAC). Co-founded TeaParty HD, a TV and Internet network that launched in May 2010. Vietnam veteran and Purple Heart recipient.

Former

Pollster/Strategist Ed Goeas

(reported by Hotline OnCall on May 31, 2011; on Oct. 3 reported he would leave the campaign after the Oct. 18 debate in Las Vegas) President and C.E.O. of The Tarrance Group. In the 2008 election cycle he served on the polling team and provided strategic counsel for the McCain-Palin presidential campaign. In addition, Goeas served as program director of the 2008 Republican National Convention. More than thirty years of working professionally in politics; he has served as political director of the NRCC, a field operative for the RNC, campaign manager in several campaigns, and chief of staff to a congressman.

Andy Parrish

(moved to Iowa in mid-June 2011; returned to the congressional office approx. early October) Chief of staff in Bachmann's congressional office to June 2011; returned to Bachmann as senior advisor in July 2010 after working at AARP Minnesota. "Grants and outreach coordinator" in Bachmann's office from Jan. 2007-first part of 2008. Managed Bachmann's successful 2006 campaign for Congress. twitter

Deputy Press Secretary Doug Sachtleben

Scheduler Kimberley Rubin

Sachtleben and Rubin worked on the camapign for a couple of months before returning to the congressional office approx early October.

major restructuring...announced Sept. 5, 2011

Campaign Manager Ed Rollins

(Bachmann's initial campaign manager reported June 6, 2011 to Sept. 5, 2011 when move to senior advisor announced; not clear what that actually means as two weeks later for example he stated in an interview on MSNBC, "She doesn't have the ability or the resources to go beyond that [Iowa caucuses].") National campaign chairman on Mike Huckabee's 2008 presidential campaign, from Dec. 2007. Managed George Nethercutt's successful race against House Speaker Tom Foley in 1994. Managed Christine Todd Whitman's successful campaign for governor of New Jersey in 1993. Co-chairman and campaign manager on Ross Perot's 1992 presidential campaign. Chaired the NRCC in the 1990 cycle. Managed Jack Kemp's 1988 presidential campaign. National campaign director on President Reagan's 1984 re-election campaign. Assistant to the President and Deputy Chief of Staff for Political and Governmental Affairs to President Reagan. Served in the administrations of Presidents Nixon, Ford, and Reagan. Held several positions in the California legislature. B.A. in political science from California State University, Chico. Author of Bare Knuckles and Back Rooms (1996).

At about the same time as campaign manager Ed Rollins moved to a senior advisor role at the beginning of Sept. 2011 [press release], CEO and deputy campaign manager David Polyansky left the campaign.

CEO and Deputy Campaign Manager David Polyansky

(to early Sept. 2011) Chief operating officer on Mike Huckabee's campaign starting late Oct./early Nov. 2007. Came to the campaign from his position as chief operating officer of Americans for Fair Taxation. Attorney at McFall, Sherwood & Breitbeil in Houston. Served in Iraq in 2004-05 with the 1st Battalion, 23rd Marines, a Houston-based Marine Corps Infantry Battalion, in Al Anbar. Attorney practicing commercial litigation defense in Houston. Experience includes campaign manager for an initiative campaign, spokesperson and policy director for a congressional candidate, volunteer for a presidential election, chief of staff for a City of Houston council member, and an account executive with an advertising/public relations agency during law school. Veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps; served on active duty from 1992-97. B.S. in political science from the University of St. Thomas and J.D. from the University of Houston Law Center.