PUXICO'S SIFFORD JOINS CARNAHAN SENATE EFFORT

After a year as Gov. Mel Carnahan's chief of staff, Chris Sifford will step down from the post to take a key position on Carnahan's campaign for the U.S. Senate.

Sifford, a native of Puxico, Mo., has served in the governor's office since Carnahan took office in 1993. He was the governor's communications director for six and a half years before being elevated to chief of staff, the office's top administrative position, in June 1999.

Mike Hartmann of Columbia, Mo., currently the deputy chief of staff, will become the Carnahan administration's fifth chief of staff when Sifford joins the campaign July 17.

A veteran of several Democratic political campaigns, including Carnahan's first bid for governor in 1992, Sifford, 36, will hold the position of senior adviser with the Senate campaign. In that role, Sifford will accompany Carnahan on the campaign trail and advise him on policy and campaign strategy.

"Chris has been instrumental in the success we've achieved over the past seven and one-half years," Carnahan said in a statement. "His background as a radio and print journalist was invaluable in dealing with the critical issues this administration has faced over the years.

"The reputation Chris has established among the press corps for credibility and honesty also served the administration well when he became chief of staff. I look forward to his continuing counsel in his new role with my Senate campaign."

In an interview, Sifford said he is joining the Senate campaign at Carnahan's request. Although Sifford said the change "was not entirely my decision," it is one with which he agrees.

"I think it's a good move," Sifford said. "I've enjoyed my time in the governor's office, but I think I can best serve the governor on the political side. In order to do that, I need to make the switch. I am committed to helping Mel Carnahan win his campaign for the U.S. Senate."

Carnahan is challenging freshman U.S. Sen. John Ashcroft, a Republican, in a closely watched race.

Campaign director Marc Farinella, also a former chief of staff in the Carnahan administration, welcomes Sifford to the effort to unseat Ashcroft.

"We are very excited that Chris will be joining the campaign," Farninella said. "He has played a large part in the success Mel Carnahan has had moving Missouri forward as governor, and his talent, intelligence and experience in the state will be critical to our success in this campaign."

Born and raised in Puxico, Sifford graduated from Puxico High School in 1981 and later earned a communications degree from Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield. He worked as a reporter for KTTS radio and the Springfield News Leader before joining Carnahan's gubernatorial campaign in 1992.

He also served on Democrat Wayne Cryts' unsuccessful 1986 effort to unseat Republican U.S. Rep Bill Emerson in the 8th Congressional District.

Sifford said he will remain focused on his duties in the governor's office for the next week and expects a smooth transition when Hartmann succeeds him.

"Mike is very capable," Sifford said. "He has a tremendous amount of experience in state government and in our office. The transition should be seamless."

Hartmann, 47, of Columbia joined Carnahan's staff in 1996. He is a former director of administration for the Missouri Department of Economic Development and also served as director of the Missouri Division of Job Development and Training. He holds bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a master's degree from Harvard University.

"Mike's long career in state government and his service as my deputy chief of staff for the past four years have prepared him well for this key role in closing out my administration on a strong note and facilitating an effective transition for the next administration," Carnahan said.