Longtime Idaho political reporter Dan Popkey is leaving his job at the Idaho Statesman to be Rep. Raul Labrador's new press secretary.
A press release from the Republican Congressman's office Tuesday says Popkey will be based in Meridian, and coordinate communications for Idaho and Washington, D.C.
“I’m very excited to have Dan on board as my new press secretary,” said Congressman Labrador. “He brings a wealth of experience and considerable knowledge of Idaho political history that will be a tremendous asset to me and my staff throughout the First Congressional District. I’ve learned that one has to have an exceptional communications strategy to effectively represent Idaho in Congress. I know that Dan will help me better communicate my message to constituents and the media.” - Labrador press release
Popkey joined the Idaho Statesman in 1984. He’s covered 26 legislative sessions, five governors, and a political scandal that nearly won him a Pulitzer Prize.
He’s long been considered political watchdog, perhaps most recently best known for his coverage of disgraced Idaho Sen. Larry Craig.
In 2008, Popkey, and a team at the Statesman, were finalists for the Pulitzer Prize, a first in the paper’s history.
“I’ve come to deeply respect Congressman Labrador’s independence, integrity and fierce commitment to setting our nation’s fiscal house in order,” Popkey said in a press release. “It’s bittersweet to leave journalism, my first love, but I’m thrilled with the opportunity to apply what I’ve learned to help advance our state’s priorities in Washington.”
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