Representative-elect Chip Cravaack is bringing in former Sen. Rod Grams to serve as his interim chief of staff during the transition.

Cravaack spokesman Kyler Nerison said Grams will help set up their offices over the next several months, though they are searching for a permenent chief of staff to be in place by Jan. 3.

After losing his Senate seat to Mark Dayton in 2000, Grams ran unsuccessfully for the Eighth District congressional seat in 2006. He and Cravaack, both Republicans, spoke frequently during this year's race.

"We approached him and he volunteered to do it," Nerison said.

One of the first tasks will be finding suitable district office space. Cravaack's primary district office will likely be at the southern tip of the district in North Branch, Nerison said, which is close his home in Lindstrom.

Cravaack is scheduled to make his first post-election trip to Washington this weekend.

(h/t Blois Olson)