From RollCall.com:
Rep. Heath Shuler (N.C.) is moving to expand his national profile by beefing up the staff of his leadership political action committee and helping Democrats try to win back the House majority in 2012.
The Blue Dog leader hired Andrew Whalen, a former close aide, to serve as executive director of Shuler’s 3rd and Long PAC. In that capacity, Whalen will oversee the PAC’s fundraising and Shuler’s candidate recruitment, communications and political travel.
It’s the latest in a series of moves by Shuler to increase his influence on the party both inside and outside the Capitol. Shuler challenged Speaker Nancy Pelosi last month for Minority Leader, losing 150-43.