Schatz Names Political Operative Andy Winer Chief of Staff

News Release from Office of Sen Schatz January 9, 2013 Washington, D.C.

Senator Brian Schatz has named Andy Winer as his Chief of Staff in Washington. D.C.

“We’ve got a great office, Room G-11 in the Dirksen Senate Building. Andy is a leader who knows Washington well and whose working roots are in Hawai`i. He has excellent contacts within President Obama’s administration, deep familiarity with what’s happening back home and will serve the people of our State with distinction,” Schatz stated in making the announcement.

Winer served in the Obama Administration as the Director of External Affairs and the Director of Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

He practiced law in Honolulu for nearly 25 years and was the managing partner at the firm of Winer, Meheula & Devens for 15 years.

People are encouraged to call, email or write the Office, or just drop by for a visit.

“I know we are a fair distance from Hawai`i in terms of miles, but aloha goes a long way and this office belongs to the people of Hawai`i,” Schatz added.

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AP: Andy Winer and the death of Patsy Mink

SB: Spot the line edited out of the same AP article by the Star-Bulletin

Best Comment: “I would be more comfortable if Schatz hired someone with Congressional experience. The headline could have been Schatz Launches Re-election Campaign, Puts Campaign Manager on Congressional Payroll.”