Danny O'Brien

Danny O’Brien, who was just hired as Sen. Bob Menendez’s new chief of staff in May, faces a happy predicament.

O’Brien, a native of southern California with deep political roots in New Jersey, spent three-and-a-half years as Sen. Joe Biden’s chief of staff before moving on to Menendez. Before Biden, he was chief of staff for former Senator Robert Toricelli, and worked on former Gov. Jim McGreevey’s 2001 gubernatorial campaign.

Now, having just started his job with Menendez, it’s easy to see him being recruited to the executive branch if Barack Obama and Joe Biden win the general election. But as of right now, he has no plans to change jobs.

“I have no plans to make any changes right now. I’m lucky to be working for Senator Menendez,” he said.

U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez, who so far has not been asked to speak at the Democratic National Convention this week, has one potentially important ally in his quest for a speaking slot.  His new Chief of Staff, Danny O’Brien, has spent the last few years as the Chief of Staff to U.S. Sen. Joseph Biden, leaving the Senate staff to become National Political Director of Biden’s bid for the 2008 Democratic presidential nomination.

Joe Biden’s rise to the top of Barack Obama’s vice presidential short list could create a change on U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez’s staff.   Danny O’Brien, who became Menendez’s Chief of Staff in May, served as Biden’s Chief of Staff for several years before leaving to become Political Director of Biden’s ill-fated campaign for the 2008 Democratic presidential nomination.  If Biden gets on the national ticket, O’Brien could wind up leaving Team Menendez, or at least taking a leave of absence.  And if Biden becomes Vice President, watch for O’Brien to drop Menendez quickly – either for an administration post, or for a lucrative private sector job with someone interested in influencing the Vice President of the United States.

Ivan Zapien will leave his post as Chief of Staff to U.S. Senator Robert Menendez to accept a position in the private sector.  He will be replaced by Danny O’Brien, who served as Chief of Staff to U.S. Senator Joseph Biden and as Political Director of Biden’s presidential campaign.  O’Brien served as Chief of Staff to U.S.  Senator Robert Torricelli, and was Co-Director of gubernatorial candidate James E. McGreevey’s coordinated campaign in 2001.