March 14, 2008
The Hillaryland Before Time
Hillary Clinton campaign staffer Adam Parkhomenko, 22, resigned this week, the latest Patti Solis Doyle loyalist to depart. Dep cam mgr Mike Henry and longtime online staffers Kevin Thurman and Crystal Patterson left last month in Doyle's wake.
In 2003, Parkhomenko formed the first online effort to draft Clinton, creating tons of buzz and signing up thousands. He subsequently established the “Draft Hillary for President 2004” organization, drawing Doyle’s attention. Doyle phoned with a request for the young activist: "She isn't doing it but we would love your help in the office."
Since then, the young Arlington native worked on HILL PAC and Hillary’s campaign steering cmte. In 07, the "jack-of-all-trades staffer" became Doyle's assistant on the campaign. According to one staffer, Parkhomenko is "the guy who made the trains run on time" and was Doyle’s “right hand man.”
Parkhomenko and other staffers thrived under Doyle, who placed a premium on loyalty and camaraderie in the kingdom she coined, “Hillaryland.”
It was a kingdom, which, today, seems like a distant memory. Sources say the fissures in Hillaryland that have erupted in recent weeks-- the infighting, finger pointing and leaks -- would have never existed under Doyle’s tenure.
(NORA MCALVANNAH)
Posted at 03:26 PM
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