Cullen Sheehan a coup for Senjem and the Senate GOP Caucus

Senate Minority Leader Dave Senjem (R-Rochester) started 2010 with a bang today, announcing that Cullen Sheehan is the new chief of staff for the Senate GOP Caucus.

Sheehan brilliantly managed U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman’s campaign (sure, Coleman eventually lost, but Sheehan made hundreds of smart decisions under incredible pressure).  Sheehan had been a regional political director for the Republican National Committee.

More staffing change announcements are expected later this week or next.

Sheehan and Michael Brodkorb, named the caucus communications director a year ago, bring political savvy, ambition and energy to a caucus that has always been in the minority since Minnesota instituted partisan legislative elections in 1972.

There are currently 46 DFLers to 20 GOPers, with Sen Dick Day’s (R-Owatonna) replacement election to be held in a few weeks. The Senate GOP Caucus had its fewest members (18) after the 1976 election; the greatest number (31), after the 2002 election.

2 Responses to “Cullen Sheehan a coup for Senjem and the Senate GOP Caucus”

1. Drew Emmer Says:
   January 5th, 2010 at 11:02 am

   Cullen Sheehan is one of the finest people working in Minnesota politics. Truly great news for the GOP senate caucus!

2. prairiepopulist Says:
   January 5th, 2010 at 11:53 am

   Help me remember: Was Cullen Sheehan the guy that couldn’t answer the question about whether someone bought suits for Sen. Coleman or not?