Dave Brat, the economics professor who defeated House Majority Leader Eric Cantor in a stunning upset last week, has hired a communications director.

Brian Gottstein will now handle all media inquires for Brat’s campaign in the 7th District, which is not expected to be competitive in November.

Gottstein served as communications director for Ken Cuccinelli when the Republican was attorney general of Virginia.

Gottstein also co-authored Cuccinelli’s book, “The Last Line Of Defense: The New Fight for American Liberty.”

Democratic Firm Hires Former Giffords Chief as Partner

The Campaign Group, a Democratic media firm based in Philadelphia and San Diego, Calif., is expanding to Washington, D.C.

The firm has brought on Pia Carusone, former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords’ top aide, as a partner to launch the new office.

Carusone has worked on a number of campaigns, including Rep. Carol Shea-Porter’s 2008 bid in New Hampshire. She also served as chief of staff to Giffords, and she was credited with keeping the Arizona Democrat’s congressional office running after Giffords was shot in 2011.

In addition to running the Campaign Group’s D.C. office, Carusone will also work part-time for Americans for Responsible Solutions, Giffords’ gun violence prevention group.

“We are lucky to have her on the team, building on the work we have done for decades from our offices in Philadelphia and San Diego to open the Campaign Group’s Washington D.C. office,” the Campaign Group said in a release.

Glover Park Group Adds to Research Team

Adam Slater has joined the Glover Park Group as a director in the firm’s research division.

Slater heads to the public affairs firm from Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research, where he served as director of research operations.

“We are extremely excited to welcome Adam to the Glover Park Group,” said Jason Boxt, managing director of research at the Glover Park Group. “Research is a critically important offering for our clients, across sector and function. Adam has a proven track record of excellence and innovation, and he is a great addition to our growing Research Division.”

Roskam Staffer Joins Online Ad Firm

CampaignGrid, an online political advertising firm, has hired Steven Moore to manage the firm’s Washington, D.C., office.

Moore comes from Rep. Peter Roskam’s political organization, where he presided over the Illinois Republican’s leadership PAC for the past year. Prior to that, Moore served as Roskam’s chief of staff for more than six years.

“Steve has worked Indonesia, Iraq, Uzbekistan, Romania, Russia, and equally challenging, for Leadership in the House of Representatives,” CampaignGrid President Jordan Lieberman said in last week’s announcement to staff. “His political experience and background as a Chief of Staff will prove invaluable as we continue to grow.”

Washington State Democratic Party Hires New Executive Director

The Washington State Democratic Party hired Karen Deal as its new executive director.

Prior to this role, Deal worked as the political director for the Washington State Labor Council — the umbrella organization of labor unions throughout the Evergreen State.

“We’re excited about bringing someone on board with Karen’s background and experience,” Washington State Democratic Party Chairman Jaxon Ravens said in a statement. “Not only does she understand the issues and values that are the foundation of the work we do, but she has a broad network of partners and allies and knows how to get things done.”

West Virginia Democratic Party Hires Hill Staffer

The West Virginia Democratic Party has hired Daniel van Hoogstraten as communications director.

Van Hoogstraten recently served as communications director for Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, D-D.C.

“West Virginia is a real battleground this year and I am excited to be joining the West Virginia Democratic Party at such a critical juncture for the state and the nation,” van Hoogstraten said.

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