Sen. Al Franken has hired Matt Burgess to run his 2014 re-election campaign.
Franken, who barely beat incumbent Sen. Norm Coleman in 2008 after a contentious recount, doesn't have an announced challenger yet.
U.S. Reps. Erik Paulsen and John Kline have been mentioned as possible Republican candidates and Congresswoman Michele Bachmann hasn't ruled out a run. Also considered possible candidates are state Sen. Julie Rosen and Jason Lewis, a conservative radio talk show host.
Burgess most recently ran Maggie Hassan's successful gubernatorial campaign in New Hampshire. He's also worked for EMILY's List, and been press and communications director on Senate and House campaigns around the country.
Said Franken in a statement:
"I'm very excited to have Matt join our team.He has a wealth of experience that will help us build a strong grassroots campaign and also allow me to keep my focus on the best job I've ever had: serving Minnesotans and fighting for our values in Washington."
And Burgess said in a statement:
"I'm honored to help build on an already-strong grassroots organization to re-elect Senator Franken in 2014."