Davis staffers leaving for Obama administration

Wed, March 04, 2009 - 2:22 PM

The office of Rep. Artur Davis, D-Birmingham, has become a training ground for Obama administration staffers.

At least two have left the Hill to work for President Barack Obama.

The White House announced Wednesday that Obama is nominating Dana Gresham, as Assistant Secretary for Governmental Affairs for the Department of Transportation. Gresham served as Davis’ chief of staff from 2003 to November 2008. Before that he worked as the legislative director for former Rep. Bud Cramer of Huntsville.

Gresham’s nomination must be approved by the Senate.

In February, Corey Ealons was appointed Director of African American Media and Coordinator of Special Projects at the White House.

According to the Obama administration, Ealons served as director of African American Media during the General Election for the Obama-Biden campaign. Prior to that he was deputy chief of staff and communications director for Davis of Alabama for six years.

Davis, who is friends with Obama from their days at Harvard Law School, is not long for the Hill himself. The four-term congressman announced plans last month that to run for governor of Alabama in the 2010 election.

-- Amy Dominello