Murphy’s new chief of staff has GOP ties

Washington — Allison Herwitt has worked for Republican politicians, but now she’ll take the top position in the office of Democratic Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy.

On Friday, Murphy announced the hire of Herwitt as his chief of staff, replacing Francis Creighton, who left the senator’s office in February.

Herwitt was the chief lobbyist for the Human Rights Campaign, “where she spearheaded the organization’s federal legislative work during a period of unprecedented success for the LGBT movement,” a statement from Murphy’s office said.

Herwitt has also worked for former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani and two other Republicans, former Reps. Marge Roukema of New Jersey and Susan Molinari of New York.

“Allison brings a depth and breadth of knowledge of federal policymaking and a record of getting things done,” Murphy said. “She has lived her values through her work, and she will bring that sense of passion and commitment to help lead our office’s work on behalf of the people of Connecticut. She is an idealist but a pragmatist, with a hard won reputation for building bipartisan coalitions on tough issues.”

One tough issue is abortion rights. Herwitt spent 11 years lobbing for NARAL Pro-Choice America.

“I’m thrilled to begin working for Senator Murphy and to join a team that is deeply committed to fighting for Connecticut in the U.S. Senate,” Herwitt said in a statement. “Whether it has been his work on gun violence, health care reform, or manufacturing, Senator Murphy has already become a leader in the Senate, and it’s an honor to come work for someone that I respect so much.”