Harris campaign manager to be new ED?

Chris MeekinsSeveral sources report that Andy Harris’ campaign manager Chris Meekins is one of the top contenders out of fourteen candidates to succeed John Flynn as the state GOP’s executive director.

Despite his youth, Meekins has some national experience under his belt, having worked on lower level races in Kentucky, Montana, and North Carolina. Those familiar with the Harris campaign say he recently turned down several campaign job offers in states like Colorado, Florida and Arizona since their impressive February primary win.

If he were to accept the position (which some question in the first place), it’s unclear whether Meekins would even have to leave his role with Harris since it’s an off-year for state races, and the First District is one of the state GOP’s top priorities. He’d have to relinquish some of his more day-to-day activities, but could remain on as one of the chief strategists.

He's also got a strong knowledge of the party's strongholds and excellent ties to big money Republican organizations in Washington.

Another plus side to Meekins is that he’s experienced in the dual position of manager and spokesperson – a role John Flynn had to step into as the state GOP cut back on staff.

His selection would surely rankle some of the more moderate members of the state party, but at the end of the day, Meekins has proved himself a hardnosed operative who values a win. And all members of the state GOP recognize they could use one of those.