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Mum’s the Word

Andrea Wuebker characterizes what she does at her new job as “non-quotable press stuff,” a description Climbers relishes in quoting.

But jokes aside, Wuebker seems more than cut out for the position of communications director for Sen. Judd Gregg (R-N.H.). She started in the new role in October. [IMGCAP(1)]

“Sen. Gregg has earned a reputation for being one of the Senate’s hardest working members,” she said. “He’s a thoughtful leader and I’m happy to work for him.”

Wuebker comes from the Office of Management and Budget, where she was a deputy press secretary. She previously served as press secretary for Sen. Norm Coleman (R-Minn.) and also has experience as an English teacher.

She attended graduate school at the University of Warwick in Coventry, England, and did her undergraduate work at the College of St. Benedict in Minnesota, where she majored in English.

From Marshall, Minn., Wuebker enjoys playing sports and is an avid triathlete.

Early Bloomer. At the age of just 28, Joe Bonfiglio is the new chief of staff for Rep. Charlie Melancon (D-La.).

Bonfiglio claims that in his new role one of his main jobs will be to “not get in the way” of Melancon’s existing staff members, who already are doing “great work.”

“Charlie has built a great team here in D.C. and in the district,” Bonfiglio said.

But the new chief of staff does have some other goals. He’s committed to helping the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

“I’m coming on to assist with that effort here in D.C. and back in Louisiana,” Bonfiglio said.

He attended Climbers’ alma mater, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Go Heels!), graduating in 2001 with a degree in economics. He spent four and a half years with Rep. Brad Miller (D-N.C.).

He is originally from Durham, N.C.

Communications Master and More. Alison Lynn is starting her third week as the new communications director for Rep. Michael Burgess (R-Texas).

She does this while raising her two boys, 6-month-old Preston and 2-year-old Harrison.

“They were both born in off-election years,” Lynn said with a laugh.

Prior to joining Burgess’ office, Lynn served as Transportation Secretary Mary Peters’ speech writer and worked at Dittus Communications, a public affairs firm where she was an assistant vice president.

Lynn earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Florida in 1996 and a master’s in political management from The George Washington University in 1998.

Her hometown is Succasunna, N.J., and she cannot speak highly enough of the Congressman she represents.

“He is who you want to represent you in Congress. I really mean that,” she said.

When she’s not being a full-time mother and communications director, Lynn likes to read, and she recently started a “moms’ literary book club.” The first book on the group’s agenda is “Undaunted Courage: Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson, and the Opening of the American West.”

Her future goals are “to be the best mom, wife and communications director that I can.”

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