Jeanne Devon has given notice that after two years she’s leaving as the Alaska Senate Democratic Minority press secretary. Long-time legislative aide Noah Hanson, a confidante of Sen. Berta Gardner, will be taking her place.
A press release from the Democrats said Devon will return to “new opportunities in her writing career.”
Devon, whose actual name is Jeanne Chilton, is the founder of The Mudflats, a liberal opinion blog that was anonymously written for years, and which has been maintained by Anchorage Daily News columnist and Devon friend Shannyn Moore for the past two years, while Devon worked for Senate Democrats.
Devon is also the coauthor of the memoir “Blind Allegiance to Sarah Palin,” by Frank Bailey. She also co-wrote Blood of Patriots, with Bill Fulton.
“It has been a joy to work with Jeanne for the past two years,” said Sen. Gardner. “She has brought a unique and valuable political perspective and message that have supported our caucus well. We are very sad to see her leave, but wish her all the best in her new endeavors.”
Hanson will be transitioning into the new job in January. Hanson has been Sen. Gardner’s Chief of Staff for 10 years, and caucus staff for the past three.
“I have appreciated Noah and his dedication for the past ten years,” said Sen. Gardner. “He has been an integral part of my team, our caucus, and its messaging. He will continue to do an excellent job with that in his new role.”
The press secretary before Devon was Frank Ameduri, who lasted six months and dropped a blistering letter onto the Democrats upon his departure, accusing them of mealy-mouthed complacency and cowardice. Ameduri said the job was more suited for an entry-level employee.
The Alaska Senate Democratic Caucus consists of Senators Berta Gardner (D-Anchorage), Bill Wielechowski (D-Anchorage), Donny Olson (D-Golovin), Dennis Egan (D-Juneau) and Tom Begich (D-Anchorage).
In other opinion-writer news, Dermot Cole has launched his own opinion blog, dermotcole.com, where he wasted no time criticizing Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan for helping the cruise ship industry avoid higher taxes.