Obama's deputy chief of staff will address Idaho Democrats

Boise High grad Jim Messina set to keynote Frank Church Banquet on March 7, 2009

BOISE - A Boise High graduate who has had key roles in Barack Obama's presidential campaign and his upcoming administration will be the keynote speaker for the Idaho Democratic Party's 2009 Frank Church Banquet.

Jim Messina will address state Democrats on March 7, 2009, during the signature event of the party's Frank Church Weekend. He served as chief of staff for Obama's presidential campaign and will be deputy chief of staff in the Obama White House.

The banquet is set for 7 p.m. at the Doubletree Hotel-Riverside, with a no-host bar and silent auction starting at 6 p.m. Tickets ($75 per person; $65 for Idaho Democratic Party membership fund contributors) are available by calling the Idaho Democratic Party at (208) 336-1815 or by sending a check to the Idaho Democratic Party, P.O. Box 445, Boise, ID 83701. Tickets for a 5 p.m. private reception with Messina ($150 per person) also are available through the state party.

Messina moved to Idaho with his family when he was 5 years old, and his parents and several other relatives still live in the Treasure Valley. A 1988 graduate of Boise High School, Messina has worked in politics and government since his graduation from the University of Montana. Before joining the Obama team, he served as chief of staff for three members of Congress: Sens. Max Baucus, D-Mont, Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., and Rep. Carolyn McCarthy, D-N.Y.

A December 15 article on Forbes.com said of Messina, "Along with (campaign manager) David Plouffe, Messina was instrumental in running Obama's campaign and he's suddenly one of the most powerful people in Washington - overseeing hiring and presidential appointments during the transition process."