Senator Jeff Klein with Alexis Grenell
Deputy Senate Majority Leader Jeff Klein is poised to lose his powerhouse communications director Alexis Grenell, who is informing friends and colleagues today of her imminent departure to take a job with Manhattan DA Richard Aborn's campaign.
Having been on the receiving end of many early-morning Grenell calls and press releases, I can say with some authority that the 26-year-old spin mistress is indeed a force of nature and is responsible for much of the considerable press her Westchester/Bronx boss has received over the past two-and-a-half years.
Some choice Grenell quotes from that election:
"It's no secret that the mayor is supporting Senate Republicans. The mayor is also no stranger to self-interests." (In response to Mayor Bloomberg's endorsement of Maltese).
"People are going to be voting with one hand on the lever and one on their back pocket." (In reference to pocket-book issues driving the race).
"It's sort of ludicrous. It's wrong to obscure the facts about your own voting record and distort your opponent's." (On a Maltese flyer that attacked Addabbo's City Council record on taxes).
Yup. It's going to be a fun summer.
Already on board at Team Aborn: BerlinRosen's Blake Zeff (formerly a spokesman for Hillary Clinton), Mike Rabinowitz (formerly with the HTC), Howard Milstein (managing partner of Milstein properties), Jacqui Samuels (formerly a SDCC fundraiser).
Grenell's last day on the Senate payroll will be tomorrow. Her farewell e-mail appears after the jump.
Dear Friends & Colleagues,
I'm writing to inform you that tomorrow will be my last day as the Director of Communications for the Deputy Majority Leader of the NYS Senate, Jeff Klein. These last two and a half years have been a wonderful experience and I feel lucky to have worked with you all.
Senator Klein is a champion for the people of New York and it has been an honor to work for him. From tackling the subprime mortgage crisis and designing a successful foreclosure prevention program, to fighting to keep families safe from violent sex offenders-Senator Klein is a true leader and a great public servant. I will always be grateful to him for investing his confidence in me in our work together. I leave the Senate, and my Senator, with affection and gratitude.
As of Monday, June 8th I will be the Press Secretary for the Richard Aborn for Manhattan DA Campaign, joining BerlinRosen’s Blake Zeff in helping Richard get his message out. I am very excited to join this tremendous campaign.
My contact information remains the same: XXXX.
Please direct all Klein related inquiries to Adam Haight: XXXX.
If I can ever be of any help to anyone, call me. Rest assured, I will be in touch!
Sincerely,
Alexis Grenell
