Washington: Mike Decesare

Rep. Jim McDermott's (D-Seattle) chief of staff Jan Shinpoch, who has served in that role since 2002, will be leaving McDermott's office, the congressman announced today.

Shinpoch will be replaced immediately by McDermott's communications director Mike DeCesare, who will be working with Shinpoch on the transition between now and April, 2009, when Shinpoch leaves. She will serve as a senior advisor in that time.