By MAGGIE HABERMAN
June 17, 2008
Supporters of Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton were fuming yesterday after Sen. Barack Obama's campaign hired the ex-candidate's ousted campaign manager to work for the Democratic nominee's running mate.
Team Obama revealed a slew of new hires, including Patti Solis Doyle - a longtime Clinton loyalist who was pushed out after Super Tuesday - as chief of staff to the eventual Democratic vice-presidential nominee.
Clinton insiders were surprised by the move, with many casting it as telegraphing that the New York senator won't be put on the ticket.
Solis Doyle "is the reason we lost," said one Clinton insider, noting the campaign's profligate spending and other problems in the lead-up to the Iowa caucuses, where the one-time front-runner came in third.
Clinton spokesman Mo Elleithee tried to quell the outrage, saying, "Patti will be an asset and good addition to the Obama campaign."
A Solis Doyle booster pointed out that Obama strategist David Axelrod made clear weeks ago that he was discussing a position for the former campaign manager.
