PRESS RELEASE from Committee on Arrangements for the 2012 Republican National Convention

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 20, 2012
Contact: James Davis


Tampa, Fla. – Veteran Republican spokesperson and strategist Kyle Downey has been named press secretary for the 2012 Republican National Convention.

“Kyle Downey is one of our party’s most effective and respected voices, and we couldn’t have found a better, more qualified communications professional to support the convention and our nominee, Mitt Romney,” said Committee on Arrangements Chief Executive Officer William Harris.

Downey is stepping down as communications director for the Senate Republican Conference, where he is responsible for directing overall communications strategy and developing day-to-day messaging tactics for all 47 Republican Senators. 

Previously, he served as communications director for the Senate Republican Policy Committee.  The Conference and the Policy Committee were each chaired by Sen. John Thune (R-SD), on whose staff Downey served as communications director since Thune’s election in 2004.

Prior to joining Sen. Thune’s staff, Downey was communications director for Rep. Rob Portman (R-OH) and press secretary to the House Budget Committee under the chairmanship of Rep. Jim Nussle (R-IA).  He also served as press secretary to the House Republican Conference under the chairmanship of Rep. J.C. Watts (R-OK).

“Kyle brings savvy and broad experience to the table, and we’re honored to have him join our team,” said COA Communications Director James Davis.

A Wisconsin native, Downey began his political career in Florida as a volunteer in the 2000 Bush-Gore ballot recount, later helping organize press events in the Tampa Bay area for former Florida Governor Jeb Bush’s 2002 re-election campaign.

About the 2012 Republican National Convention

The 2012 Republican National Convention will be held at the Tampa Bay Times Forum August 27-30, 2012.  Nearly 50,000 visitors are expected to come to the Tampa Bay area for the event, including delegates, alternate delegates, media and other guests.  For more information about the 2012 Republican National Convention, become part of the virtual convention at www.ConventionWithoutWalls.com, visit our website www.GOPConvention2012.com and check out our official blog, Conventional Wisdom, at www.gopconvention2012.com/blog/.