During the entire tenure of Assembly Republican Leader Mike Villines, longtime GOP strategist Joe Justin served in the role of "going point" on the ground for his political efforts to retain Republicans in the Assembly, and to work to increase numbers.
With Sam Blakeslee’s election as Assembly Republican Leader, many people were wondering who would be filling this critical role for the new leader.
That person is going to be none other than Kevin Spillane. I had an opportunity to get to know and to work with Spillane for a long time now — and I think that this is an outstanding hire by Blakeslee. Kevin brings a lot to the table. Not only with a lengthy political resume, but he also, like Joe Justin actually, is a straight shooter who will be very realistic in approaching this position.
Many FR readers will recognize Kevin’s name because he has been the "public face" as it were — a spokesman (and much more) — for many high profile causes. Among those were the successful effort last year to stave off the naked attempt by Fabian Nunez to thwart term-limits. Currently you’ve seen him affiliated with campaigns of Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner and State Senator Jeff Denham for Governor and Attorney General, respectively.
We reached out to Spillane, who had this to say about his new position:
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We asked Spillane what was first up on his plate in this new, challenging position:
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For now, anyways, the position is not a full-time one, and so you’ll continue to see Kevin assisting with some other efforts.
Congratulations to longtime FR friend Spillane, and of course we comment Blakeslee on this great pick.
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