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Manchin names new communications director

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U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., announced the appointment of a new communications director Jan. 31.

Jonathan Kott, who most recently served as communications director for the re-election campaign of Democratic Gov. Jack Markell of Deleware, will take the place of Emily Bittner, who left Manchin's office after nearly two years to work with the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.

"I welcome Jon Kott to my team," Manchin said in a news release. "Jon brings a wealth of knowledge and professionalism to my office, and he will make a strong communications team even stronger."

Kott also worked with the campaigns for Reps. Anthony Weiner and Brad Ellsworth, D-N.Y., and D-I.N., respectively. He also has worked for Sen. Evan Bayh, D-I.N., and Third Way, described in a news release from Manchin's office as a centrist think tank.

"Sen. Manchin is a strong leader, and I sincerely appreciate his dedication to the Mountain State," Kott said in the news release. "I look forward to traveling the state and serving the great people of West Virginia."

Manchin's communications department also includes Deputy State Director and Communication Advisor Sara Payne Scarbro, Press Secretary Katie Longo and Press Assistant Lauren Swearingen.