Eighth District Congressman-elect Rick Nolan has hired one of his rivals. Former Duluth City Council President Jeff Anderson will join Nolan's staff as district director. Anderson was one of three Democrats running in the Eighth District primary this year. Nolan won the primary and went on to oust incumbent Republican Rep. Chip Cravaack in November.

Nolan's news release describes Anderson as "an Ely native and a fourth generation Iron Ranger," who will oversee offices in Duluth and Brainerd.

Other Nolan hires include his former campaign chairman, Jim Swiderski, who will be his legislative director in Washington; new deputy chief of staff Jodie Torkelson; chief scheduler Ione Yates; and communication director Steve Johnson.