Tim James hires campaign manager

The gubernatorial campaign of Republican Tim James has named Steve Pelham of Montgomery as the campaign manager. Pelham is a veteran political operative in the state, according to the campaign, and was an appointee in the Bush administration, most recently as state director for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development Office.
"Steve Pelham has extensive campaign and management experience in Alabama, as well as a record of winning campaigns. He's a great addition to our team," James said in a statement.
Pelham served eight years with the USDA, including a brief time as director of legislative and public affairs, and worked for seven years as state director for former U.S. Rep. Terry Everett, R-Rehobeth.
He has 20 years of experience in state and federal politics including his work for John McCain's presidential campaign in 2008, George W. Bush in 2004 and on the advance team for former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich. Pelham also managed Everett's campaigns between 1992 and 2000.
James, a Greenville businessman and son of former two-term Gov. Fob James, was the first candidate to enter the 2010 race for governor. He loaned his campaign $2 million and has hired staff to prepare for the 2010 cycle. Candidates can begin to raise money in June.

-- posted by Sebastian Kitchen