U.S. Congressman Jim Cooper
5th Congressional District of Tennessee
605 Church Street
Nashville, TN 37219

For Immediate Release:
Contact: Greg Hinote
April 13, 2007
(615) 736-5295

COOPER NAMES SPRAGENS COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

NASHVILLE — U.S. Congressman Jim Cooper today announced that he has named John Spragens communications director for his Washington, D.C., and Tennessee offices. Spragens, a Nashvillian, previously served as legislative assistant in the Washington office. Before that, he was a staff writer at the Nashville Scene.

“John brings a much-needed outsider’s perspective to Washington,” Cooper said. “I’m excited to have his critical mind focused on strategic communications. With his help, I hope to focus the national discussion on issues that affect Middle Tennesseans — issues like Social Security’s solvency, the skyrocketing cost of health care and the Iraq War.”

In his new job, Spragens will be responsible for coordinating all of Cooper’s communications efforts, and he will maintain some policy duties as well. Though based in Washington, he will split time between the two offices. “Congressman Cooper is widely regarded as one of the most thoughtful members of Congress,” Spragens said. “My challenge will be to spread that wisdom around Washington a bit. As Jim talks with folks in Middle Tennessee, I want to help make them proud that he is solving some of the nation’s toughest problems.”

###