01.12.01

Cantwell taps experienced veterans to lead U.S. Senate office

Fredrickson/Beckett team will put state interests first

Washington, D.C. - United States Senator Maria Cantwell today announced the leadership team of Caroline Fredrickson and Kurt Beckett and charged them with running a Senate office that is responsive to the diverse needs of Washington state.

Fredrickson, currently Deputy Chief of Staff to Democratic Leader Tom Daschle, will become Cantwell’s Chief of Staff. Fredrickson’s long experience on Capitol Hill and expertise on issues will be a major asset to Cantwell. She has handled judiciary issues including intellectual property, privacy and judicial nominations as well as labor issues for Senator Daschle. Fredrickson has also served as a former Special Assistant for Legislative Affairs for President Clinton.

Kurt Beckett will serve as Cantwell’s Deputy Chief of Staff, bringing strong Washington state experience to Cantwell’s office. Beckett, currently District Director to Congressman Norm Dicks, ran the Gore/Lieberman campaign in the state last year. Beckett has worked for Dicks for more than 7 years, has a strong background in energy and natural resources issues, and will help Cantwell reach out to all parts of the state, particularly rural and Eastern Washington.

"Washington's citizens deserve the hardest working, most responsive office in the Senate. Caroline and Kurt are the perfect people to make that happen, and I am thrilled to have such an experienced team in place," said Cantwell.

Fredrickson and Beckett’s first task will be prepare the Senator for her roles on the Judiciary, Energy and Natural Resources, and Small Business Committees. These three committee assignments will give Cantwell a say on matters important to Washington residents.