Former Bush Spokesman Ari Fleischer Joining CNN

NEW YORK — Former President George W. Bush's first press secretary, Ari Fleischer, is joining CNN as a political contributor.

CNN announced Tuesday that Fleischer will contribute to special political programming and various programs across the network. Fleischer runs his own sports communications company but has appeared on cable news networks to offer political insights.

Fleischer said that "it's shaping up as a red hot political year and I'm eager to lend my perspective to it."

CNN already has a large stable of political commentators, including Paul Begala, Donna Brazile, James Carville, and Mary Matalin.