It's like a throw-away line at the very bottom of this news release, but it's the most curious thing about it.

The Guv is moving her lawyer to be external affairs director. And her former external affairs manager (Ron Judd) is going to work for DOT. Hmmm.

The Guv's main interim spokesman, Glenn Kuper, said Judd is going to continue to do "outreach" with constituents. That includes reaching out the Seattle mayoral candidates and others to make sure the tunnel under the Alaskan Way Viaduct gets built.

UPDATE: From Kuper: His (Judd's) new title is "Alaska Way Viaduct Community Outreach Director." My colleague, Brad Shannon, was right all along.

(I think Judd actually is being sent north to learn how to drive the 60-foot-in-diameter drill bit machine for the tunnel.)

Now, the now-departed Pearse Edwards had the top job for external affairs AND was communications director for Gregoire. So, it appears they are splitting that job into two again. Kuper said they're searching for a communications director.

I've withdrawn my name from consideration, even though it was absolutely unnecessary. I never had even a snowball's chance in hell to get that job. Oh, well.

Gov. Gregoire appoints Marty Loesch as Director of External Affairs and Senior Counsel

OLYMPIA –Gov. Chris Gregoire today appointed Marty Loesch as director of external affairs and senior counsel. Loesch currently serves as general counsel and will continue to work as a member of the governor’s legal team.

Prior to joining the governor’s senior staff, Loesch served as inter-governmental affairs director for the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community and was in private practice with three different private law firms, including two that he helped found. He begins his new duties effective today.

“In addition to serving as my legal counsel, Marty has advised me on a host of policy matters and has supported my relationships with a wide array of community organizations and state officials, Gregoire said. “Marty has brought fresh ideas and energy to Olympia. In this new role, Marty will put his drive, relationship skills and ingenuity to work with federal, state, local and tribal government leaders; stakeholders; and community organizations to find solutions to our most pressing problems.”

“I am honored by and excited about this opportunity,” Loesch said. “I look forward to working with the many talented and dedicated Washingtonians who know that by pulling together we can weather these turbulent times and come out stronger for it.”

Loesch earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s of Arts degrees from the University of Notre Dame, in South Bend, Indiana and his Juris Doctor and Master of Laws in international human rights law from the University of Notre Dame Law School. He lives in La Conner with his wife, Cyndi, and daughter. His hobbies include reading, hiking and building log homes.

Loesch is assuming the external affairs duties of Ron Judd, who is moving to the Department of Transportation.

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