Clinton Taps Clemons As New Hampshire State Director

Sen. Hillary Clinton has chosen NH Dem Party exec. dir Nick Clemons as her state director, capping off an intensive search-and-interview process by snagging the most in-demand operative in the state.

In 2006, Clemons supervised the political and field operation that helped Democrats take over both New Hampshire legislative chambers and gain control of its two House seats. He’s in near-daily contact with key county chairs, and knows all the major organizers.

Many New Hampshire Democrats loyal to Clinton were active in the party more than a dozen years ago, and others have migrated to opposing campaigns. Clemons brings both youth and experience, an eagle’s eye for talent, and an insider’s perspective on more recent elections in the state.

Kathy Sullivan, the departing NH Dem chair, would not address a question about Clemons’ departure. But asked about his talents, she called him “the best executive director in the country.”

“It is also no secret that any presidential candidate who was able to lure him away would be very, very, very lucky to have him,” she said.

Clemons served as the Kerry-Edwards state director in New Hampshire during 2004. He was Sen. John Kerry’s field director during the primaries, competing with former Dean state director Karen Hicks. Hicks is now the Clinton campaign’s national field director. Both Hicks and Clemons worked for ex-NH Gov. Jeanne Shaheen; Clemons was her field director in '00 and '02.

Clinton is due in New Hampshire this weekend. Clemons did not immediately respond to an e-mail seeking his comments. [MARC AMBINDER]