Republican Governors Pick New Head

The GOP campaign machine is getting geared up for 2011-12. The Republican Governors Association has chosen Phil Cox, who managed Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell’s blowout 2009 victory, as its next executive director, according to Politico.

Cox will report to Texas Governor Rick Perry, new chairman of the RGA. Cox is a veteran campaign hand who worked as a top aide at the RGA over the last year, even while continuing to serve McDonnell. Cox replaces Nick Ayers, who has occupied the RGFA’s top staff job since 2007.

Cox will hit the ground running Monday, as he begins to oversee the three gubernatorial races this year in Louisiana, Kentucky and Mississippi. Next year he will focus on 11 more statehouse campaigns.