Crapo Announces Legislative Promotions

Washington, D.C. - Idaho Senator Mike Crapo announces two promotions and other staff changes in his Washington, D.C., office:

Luke Tomanelli has been promoted to Legislative Assistant, handling issues related to Crapo's membership on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. As such, Tomanelli is responsible for such key issues as the environment, water, wildlife and the Endangered Species Act. He also works in other areas of interest to Idahoans, including the Idaho National Laboratory, nuclear energy and renewable energy, the Owyhee Initiative, public lands, mining, grazing and other natural resource issues. Tomanelli was promoted from a Legislative Aide position and has been with Crapo since 2006.

Rachel Johnson has been promoted to Legislative Correspondent in charge of issues relating to Crapo's membership on the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee. Her assignments range from banking to transportation and housing issues, and she also handles tax, budget and judiciary issues. Johnson is a Boise native and graduate of Boise State University. She has lived in Idaho Falls and is a graduate of Lewiston High School. Her parents now reside in Shelley. She previously worked on constituent services in the Washington, D.C. office.

Mandi Critchfield is one of the first Idaho faces that visitors to Washington, D.C., will see in Crapo's office. She is a native of Oakley and graduated from Oakley High School and Brigham Young University. As one of the Senator's new Staff Assistants, Mandi coordinates the weekly constituent coffee events where Crapo meets with Idahoans each Tuesday that the Senate is in session. She greets visitors at the front desk in the D.C. office and arranges tours of the U.S. Capitol, the White House and other historical attractions for Idahoans who request assistance.

Kathryn Waite, a graduate of the University of Idaho, is also new to the Crapo constituent service team. As a Staff Assistant, she will be coordinating many of the letters of congratulations and condolences that the Senator sends to Idahoans, in addition to other duties in the D.C. office.

Johnson, Critchfield and Waite all served as interns in Crapo's offices before joining his staff.