Hardy Myers (D)
SALEM, Ore. (Legal Newsline)-Oregon Attorney General Hard Myers has tapped a former gubernatorial aide to serve as one of his top advisers.
Jake Weigler, a former spokesman for Democratic Gov. Ted Kulongoski, will serve as Myers' executive assistant. He will oversee the Oregon Department of Justice's media relations and will work on legislative activities, the attorney general said.
Before joining the Department of Justice, Weigler managed the hard-fought, but unsuccessful U.S. Senate primary campaign of Democrat Steve Novick.
Weigler also has served as research director at the Washington-based non-profit Media Matters for America, and as a researcher at the Democratic National Committee.
"I am pleased Jacob has joined us and believe he will be a strong asset to the team," Myers said in a statement. "His previous experience in communications and political advocacy here at home and in Washington D.C. will serve the people of Oregon well."
Weigler succeeds Stephanie Soden, who has held the position since 2006 and is leaving the department.
Myers, who has led the state Department of Justice since 1996, is retiring in January.
He is likely to be succeeded by law professor John Kroger, who in May won the Democratic nomination for AG and faces no Republican challenger in November.
From Legal Newsline: Reach reporter Chris Rizo by e-mail at chrisrizo@legalnewsline.com.