As has been reported around the blogosphere today, Gentry Collins was tapped today to serve as the RNC Political Director. A few months ago, Krusty had posted a rumor that Collins was heading out to California to work with Meg Whitman's campaign. He's been rumored for other posts as well, but today it became official.

This is significant for a couple of reasons. First, it's always good when an Iowa operative gets a big role in national politics. We want our local folks to succeed.

However, the best news for Iowa is that there will be someone inside the RNC at a high level who can keep an eye on the Iowa Caucuses and our first-in-the-nation status. The job of Political Director doesn't set policy like that, it is handled by the RNC members and the rules committee specifically, but having a pair of eyes in DC watching what is happening will bode well for the Caucuses.

Whether you've been on the same team with Gentry or on another team working against him in a primary, most people we talk to think he's a straight shooter and a smart, organized operative. Given the troubles the RNC has had over the past month or two, Gentry is a good addition. His discipline and judgment will help put the organization back on the road to success.

Clean comments only, please, we should be respectful when one of Iowa's own gets a shot at a key job in DC.