People: Congressman Cooper names new legislative director

Email | Print By NashvillePost.com People Dept.

U.S. Congressman Jim Cooper today announced that he has promoted James Leuschen to the position of legislative director.

Leuschen had previously served as Cooper's legislative assistant for budget, tax and finance, writing an entire federal budget proposal for fiscal year 2008.

"I didn't have to search very far to find a thoughtful and talented manager for my policy staff," said Cooper. "James quickly made himself indispensable in this office, earning my trust and the respect of many leaders in Washington and Tennessee. We will continue doing great work with him in charge of the back office."

Leuschen, who has worked on Capitol Hill for three and a half years, holds a master's in public policy from the University of Chicago. Before coming to Cooper's office in September 2006, he worked in the Washington office of Rep. Diana DeGette (D-Colo.).

"It's an honor to work for one of the smartest guys in Washington, someone who holds his staff to such a high standard," said Leuschen. "I'm looking forward to this new challenge and confident that our legislative staff is up to the task. We're all serious about changing the way government works."

Leuschen replaces Cicely Simpson, a Tennessee native who recently departed for the private sector.