Sen. Bob Bennett, R-Utah, has named a new top aide: James C. Barker, who had been Bennett's general counsel.
He replaces Greg Hopkins as administrative assistant. Hopkins left to form a new political and public affairs consulting company in Utah but will continue to oversee Bennett's political activities. "He is a master campaign strategist," Bennett said.Barker was an administrative assistant to Rep. Jim Hansen, R-Utah, from 1985 to 1989, the legislative director for former Rep. Howard Nielsen, R-Utah, from 1983 to 1985 and was the state director for former Rep. Dan Marriott, R-Utah, from 1978 to 1982.
He has also served as counsel to two House subcommittees overseeing water and environmental issues, and was a lead committee counsel in helping to pass legislation to allow completion of the Central Utah Project.