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Strategic Public Partners Group founder and former CEO Tom Whatman has been tapped to lead the political team of Speaker of the House John Boehner. In 2010, he sold the firm to Partners Darrin Klinger and Brandon Lynaugh. In 2011, however, Whatman’s extensive experience in public affairs will translate into a new national impact:

The revamped political operation, which aides are calling “Team Boehner,” will be led by 45-year-old Tom Whatman — little known in Washington but a longtime Ohio Republican operative and a Columbus-based public affairs adviser for the past decade. Under this new umbrella, he will take command of Boehner’s long-running Freedom Project — which has been his leadership political action committee — plus his personal campaign apparatus, House Republican political operations and preparation for next year’s presidential campaign.

Under his stewardship for nearly a decade, SPP recruited and built a seasoned team of experts in public affairs, government relations, issue advocacy and grassroots campaigning. Former NRCC chairman and current Oklahoma Congressman Tom Cole had high praise for Whatman:

“He is one of the best operatives you will meet ... with sheer political smarts and personal skills,” Cole said. His extensive work with presidential campaigns and redistricting are plusses for Team Boehner.

The SPP team extends our sincere congratulations to Tom on his new position. We know he will serve the Speaker and our country well during one of the most challenging times in our nation’s history.