by Christi Parsons
Barack Obama's team this morning named Phil Schiliro to serve as the president's assistant for legislative affairs, a key position for the Capitol Hill veteran and campaign advisor.
The announcement also makes official the appointments of Obama's close family friend, Valerie Jarrett, as a senior presidential advisor, and Ron Klain, who will be chief of staff to Vice President-elect Joe Biden.
In a written statement, Obama said the newly named players will be "essential members of our team as we work to bring Republicans and Democrats together to strengthen our struggling economy and make Washington work for all Americans."
Schiliro is currently director of Congressional relations for the Obama transition team. A senior advisor to Obama's presidential campaign, he has worked in Congress for more than 25 years. He was Chief of Staff to Rep. Henry Waxman and the House Oversight Committee in the House, and also was policy director for Senate Democratic Leader Tom Daschle and staff director for the Senate Democratic Leadership Committees in the Senate.
Klain used to work for Biden as chief counsel to the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, and later served as staff director for the Senate Democratic Leadership Committees under Daschle. Klain also served as chief of staff to Vice President Al Gore for four years, as chief of staff to former attorney general Janet Reno and associate counsel to President Clinton in charge of judicial selection.
He is known in Washington for helping in debate preparation for every Democratic nominee since Clinton's 1992 campaign.
"Ron Klain has been a trusted advisor of mine for over 20 years," Biden said in a statement this morning. "He brings extraordinary judgment, a deep understanding of the important policy issues facing our nation, a wide range of experience in the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government, as well as a unique understanding of how the Vice President's office works."
As reported in the Swamp last night, Jarrett's new job will involve acting as a go-between with state and local elected officials and public interest groups.
Read more about Jarrett, a prominent Chicago political figure and business woman, in today's Tribune.
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