Offering frequent news and analysis from the majestic Evergreen State and beyond, The Cascadia Advocate is the Northwest Progressive Institute's unconventional perspective on world, national, and local politics.

Friday, April 11, 2008

Longtime Associated Press reporter heading to Secretary of State's office

I have to admit I didn't see this one coming:
David Ammons, dean and president of the Washington Capitol press corps, has been appointed communications director for Secretary of State Sam Reed.

Ammons, 59, is political writer and columnist for The Associated Press, and is one of the country's senior statehouse reporters, with nearly 37 years of experience. For the past five years, he has hosted "Inside Olympia," a weekly newsmaker interview show on TVW, Washington 's version of C-SPAN. He has been president of the Capitol Correspondents Association for more than 25 years, and has covered eight governors, presidential elections and annual legislative sessions.

"I have admired David Ammons for many years for his professionalism, fairness, integrity and knowledge," Reed commented. "Since this office has huge challenges ahead in terms of implementing a new state primary system and building the Heritage Center , I'm delighted that a person of his stature and reputation agreed to take this key position in my office," he added.

"My political reporting career has been endlessly fascinating and rewarding, and I've enjoyed working with some exceptionally talented colleagues in bringing state government to readers, listeners and viewers across Washington ," Ammons said.

"I'm excited about this new opportunity to work with an agency and a Secretary I've long admired. I particularly look forward to working in fields of longtime interest, such as elections, civics education and heritage projects and our fascinating history."
The Olympia press corps will look very different without Dave Ammons there. I'm so used to seeing his analysis and weekly columns...it will be strange to read the AP state wire with his byline absent.

I first met Dave several years ago when I was fighting Tim Eyman initiatives, and we've had a number of friendly conversations over the years. I have always appreciated Dave's willingness to talk to me when I've been in Olympia for an event or to testify. He has quoted me or mentioned NPI at least half a dozen times over the last half decade. I'm grateful that he was ready to listen when I had something to say and I wish him the best in his new position.

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