Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid will lose another top aide at the end of the month when Senate Democratic Communications Center Staff Director Rodell Mollineau exits to pursue “other opportunities.”
Mollineau’s departure comes as the Democratic Conference’s messaging activities shift from Reid’s office to the Democratic Policy Committee, which will be chaired by Sen. Charles Schumer (N.Y.).
In a statement, Reid praised Mollineau.
“Over the last four years Rodell’s strategic guidance proved invaluable not just to me, but to the entire Democratic caucus,” Reid said. “His abilities make him one of the most talented young communications professionals in Washington today, and while his day to day presence in the Capitol will be missed, he will always be a member of the Senate family. I thank and congratulate him for his public service thus far and for what I am confident he will achieve in the future.”
Mollineau, 34, declined to comment on his future, but Democrats familiar with his thinking said he is considering options with the Obama administration and on K Street.
“From forcing a change of strategy in Iraq to passage of national health care reform, with countless other victories in between, I am fortunate to have been a small part of such historic events,” Mollineau said. “It’s time for a new adventure, but I will forever be grateful for the trust placed in me by Sen. Reid.”
Originally hired as Reid’s communications director in 2006, Mollineau quickly emerged as one of the Majority Leader’s top political advisers.
Mollineau previously worked for then-Senate leader Tom Daschle (D-S.D.) and Sen. Mark Pryor (D-Ark.); he also worked on several Congressional and presidential campaigns.
Lois Lerner, director of exempt organizations for the IRS, arrives for a House Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing on the investigation of the IRS' targeting of political groups. Lerner invoked her Fifth Amendment right to not testify and caused a protest from some committee members when she offered an opening statement and engaged in dialogue with members before invoking the right.
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