Washington, D.C. —  Today Senator John Thune (R-SD) named Kyle Downey as his Communications Director. Downey currently serves as Communications Director to Congressman Rob Portman (R-OH). During the recent presidential campaign, Downey volunteered for Congressman Portman, who served as the Communications Chairman for the Bush-Cheney 2004 campaign in the critical state of Ohio. Downey also played a lead role in preparing Vice President Cheney for the Vice Presidential Debate where Congressman Portman played the role of Senator John Edwards. Downey's five year tenure working for House Leadership will end April 25th when he starts in Senator Thune's office. He previously served as Press Secretary for the House Budget Committee and Press Secretary for former House Republican Conference Chairman J.C. Watts, Jr. (R-OK).

“Kyle will be a great addition to our team. His many years of communications experience will greatly benefit me and the people of South Dakota," said Thune.