Jay Blanton, the former University of Kentucky spokeperson who has been running interference for Gov. Steve Beshear, is moving to the top communications job at Keeneland.

The Governor's office is reorganizing the office, with Policy Director Katie Allison Dailinger now supervising the state's communications, but with current spokeswoman Jill Midkiff now joined by one of Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson's spokespeople, Kerri Richardson. With Abramson named as Beshear's running mate in the 2011 race, it is not insignificant that he has a friend in the current administration's communications efforts.

Here's the release:

Gov. Steve Beshear announced today that Communications Director Jay Blanton is leaving the administration in November to take the top communications job at Keeneland Association.

Katie Allison Dailinger, currently serving as Policy Director, will take on the role of Director of Policy and Communications, the Governor announced. In that capacity, she will help oversee both the communications and policy operations while continuing to serve as a member of the Governor's senior staff. She will report directly to Chief of Staff Adam Edelen.

In addition, Kerri Richardson, who is currently communications coordinator for Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson, will become a deputy communications director for Gov. Beshear, serving as spokeswoman. Current Deputy Communications Director Jill Midkiff will continue to serve as a spokeswoman with the media, while also running the day-to-day operations of the Governor's communications office and coordinating the duties of communications officers throughout state government.

"Jay has been an important member of my senior staff and has made invaluable contributions to this administration's success during a difficult economic climate," Gov. Beshear said. "He has been offered a wonderful professional and personal opportunity to work for an important corporate citizen closer to home and family. I wish him every success."

But Gov. Beshear said Katie Allison Dailinger would be up to the challenge of an expanded role in his administration. "Katie has an incredible intellect and commitment to this state and our administration. She brings talent and compassion to an important job," the Governor said. "Kerri and Jill bring a terrific blend of skills and background to their roles as well. Together, they - along with the rest of the communications and policy shops - will make for a formidable team as we work in the best interests of the Commonwealth."

"It's been a tremendous honor to work for Gov. Beshear and First Lady Jane Beshear," Blanton said. "I respect and admire them more than I can adequately convey. Their passion for this state and our people and the integrity they bring to their work is unmatched. However, the opportunity to work for an institution that's so important to the Commonwealth and our state's signature industry - and to do so a little closer to home - was extremely attractive. Keeneland, in many ways, means Kentucky. Helping maintain and enhance that brand is a wonderful professional opportunity."

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