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Mary Matalin Gets Cheney Gig

Conservative Beltway gabber Mary Matalin is going to work for Vice president-elect Dick Cheney.

Matalin's official title will be counselor to the vice president, Cheney said in a press release issued in Washington on Friday. A Bush aide said Matalin would quit her television job as as co-host of CNN's political program, Crossfire, which she has held since July of 1999.

"She is officially leaving CNN," the aide said. Asked if Matalin would stop her other televised engagements, such as her regular appearances alongside husband - and idological opposite - James Carville on NBC's Meet the Press, the aide said "That will be worked out."

The aide added that Matalin's new role "is going to be her new employment."

There was no information available on how much Matalin would be paid in her new job.

Matalin will be responsible for providing advice to the vice president in a variety of areas including communications, political strategy and coordination.

"Mary Matalin is an individual of great experience and stature, who I will be honored to have playing an important role on my staff. Ms. Matalin has earned respect and admiration from members of both parties. I have great respect for her views and abilities," Cheney said in a release.

The aide said that, while Juleanna Glover-Weiss would serve as Cheney's official spokeswoman, Matalin would also be playing a communications role. Asked whether one or the other would be in charge, the aide said "I don't think either one of them will be in charge. I think they will have independent roles ... on an equal level."

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