RNC names state Victory director

The Republican National Committee announced today who would lead the Victory operations in nine swing states earlier today, including right in here in Washington. Former Rudy Giuliani campaign staffer Chris Gulugian-Taylor got the nod for the Evergreen state Victory Director, where he will help to coordinate John McCain's presidential campaign with the other statewide Republican races in the fall.

"In this exciting election year, it is of the utmost importance to have qualified, experienced, and dedicated individuals on the ground, driving Senator McCain's positive message and energizing voters to elect Republican candidates up and down the ballot in November," RNC Chairman Robert M. "Mike" Duncan said in a release.  "I feel confident that our Victory 2008 state operations, under the leadership of these fine men and women, will serve its purpose exceedingly."

Gulugian-Taylor's local ties stem from his time at Tacoma's University of Puget Sound, where he graduated in 2003 and his time as an aide in the state Senate. He later went to work for the RNC before becoming the Executive Director of Nevada's state party and Regional Political Director for Western States for Mayor Rudolph Giuliani's presidential campaign.