Tibbles will manage Stevens’ campaign

U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens has hired a former official in Gov. Sarah Palin’s administration to manage his Senate campaign.

Mike Tibbles was named July 7 as Stevens’ campaign manager.

Tibbles led Palin’s transition team after winning the governor’s mansion in 2006. He most recently served as her chief of staff.

Stevens says Tibbles brings a wealth of campaign experience to his team. Stevens adds his new manager “is battle-tested and his organization skills are first-rate.”

Stevens is running for re-election while under a federal investigation. His likely Democratic opponent in November is Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich.

—The Associated Press