Atkins turns down Merkley top job

After being offered the top job on Senator-Elect Jeff Merkley's new staff, Jeanne Atkins has declined the Washington, DC gig and chosen to remain in the Oregon Speaker's office working for Speaker-Elect Dave Hunt.  Merkley initially opted against bringing in a Washington insider to be his Chief of Staff and asked Atkins to head up his new senate team, however, after much thought and consideration she decided to remain in Oregon.  Merkley has hired campaign manager Jon Isaacs to be his new Oregon State Director and another campaigner Julie Edwards for media inquiries during the transition process.