Gingrey hires new campaign manager for Senate bid

ATLANTA - U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey of Marietta has hired a new campaign manager to direct his bid for Georgia's open U.S. Senate seat.

Gingrey spokeswoman Jen Talaber says the campaign has hired Patrick Sebastian, who recently served as the Republican National Committee's state director in New Jersey during Gov. Chris Christie's campaign. Talaber says Sebastian oversaw the largest Republican voter turnout effort in that state's history.

In November, four top staffers left the Gingrey campaign citing differences of opinion. Sebastian joins political strategist Cam Savage, who previously served as regional political director for the National Republican Senatorial Committee.

Gingrey is among a crowded field of Republicans vying for the U.S. Senate seat.

Separately, Talaber is leaving her position to join Gov. Nathan Deal's re-election bid. Talaber previously worked for Deal.