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Thursday, Jun. 19, 2008

Beshear's chief of staff resigns

HOMELAND SECURITY HEAD FROM LEXINGTON TO ASSUME POST

FRANKFORT -- Gov. Steve Beshear's chief of staff, Jim Cauley, is resigning to pursue his own political consulting business and will be replaced by Adam Edelen, a Lexingtonian who heads the state Office of Homeland Security.

Beshear said in a statement Wednesday that Cauley "has been an integral part of my team and will be sorely missed," and would continue to be an adviser to the governor.

"Jane and I and the entire staff were lucky to bring this Kentucky boy back home for my political campaign," Beshear said of his campaign manager in last year's race for governor.

After winning a landslide victory last year against Republican Gov. Ernie Fletcher, Beshear's administration has struggled to maintain momentum in the face of deep budget cuts and a disagreeable legislature.

By May, Beshear's job-approval rating had plummeted to 39 percent in a Herald-Leader/ WKYT Kentucky Poll.

Cauley, a Pikeville native and Louisville resident who ran Barack Obama's successful bid for the U.S. Senate in Illinois, said his business will be based in Louisville and that he would look forward to helping Beshear in any re-election effort.

Cauley will oversee the transition with Edelen until his effective resignation date of July 15.

Before his appointment to homeland security, Edelen was a senior executive with both Thomas & King Inc. and Commerce Lexington. He also has served as a board chairman of Kentucky Educational Television, chairman of the 2006 United Way of the Bluegrass Annual Campaign and an aide to Gov. Paul Patton.

In addition to his role at homeland security, Edelen is currently vice chairman of the Urban League of Lexington and a member of the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence.

"Adam brings a diverse rŽsumŽ of public, political and private experience, along with strong and decisive management skills, all of which will be crucial to the ongoing success of this office and administration," Beshear said.

Beshear did not say who will replace Edelen at homeland security. Beshear spokesman Dick Brown said an announcement would be made soon.