MINNEAPOLIS -- State Sen. Steve Stivers' (R-Columbus) hired a new communications director today, who is a veteran of the last campaign against Franklin Co. Commissioner Mary Jo Kilroy (D-Columbus).

Rob Nicohols was U.S. Rep. Deb Pryce's (R-Columbus) presse secretary and knows the 15th Congressional District having served as spokesperson for Pryce's 2006 campaign against Kilroy

"Rob brings to our team a wealth of experience, understanding and involvement with this district -- he was born here, raised here and he's raising his own family here, I'm proud to have him on board," Stivers said in a statement.

Nichols hails from Madison County.