Page One has learned that Auditor Crit Luallen’s Director of Communications and Deputy General Counsel, Jeff Derouen, will be leaving her staff to join Lieutenant Governor-Elect Daniel Mongiardo as his Chief of Staff.

Derouen, former Assistant Jefferson County Commonwealth’s Attorney and Communications Director, is experienced and well-suited to head the office of Lt. Governor. An e-mail requesting confirmation of his move to Mongiardo’s staff had not been returned at the time of publication.

As chief spokesperson for the Auditor, Derouen is responsible for shaping Luallen’s image in the press and controlling the flow of information– a crucial job that probably wouldn’t change hands if a constitutional officer is seeking a more important governmental position. Could this transition of employment signal that Luallen is less serious about a race for U.S. Senate than has previously been discussed? Or is it a sign that Luallen has decided to seek higher office? We’re betting on the former.

More Political Rumor and Frankfort gossip after the jump

We keep hearing that if Crit Luallen doesn’t make her decision about a senatorial bid by the end of the weekend that she’s out of the D.C. pick. Her replacement favorite is rumored to be Louisville millionaire Charlie Owen. While we’ve heard this rumor from both elected officials and a trusted personal source, it doesn’t seem likely that Owen would consider the senate. He’s been on the sidelines for way too long and many of his close advisors and key would-be campaign officials have taken other jobs.

Outgoing Attorney General Greg Stumbo is the talk of the town. We wouldn’t lend the following any credibility but it may be necessary to mention in order to make it clear that Stumbo is definitely serious about a run against Mitch McConnell. A few northern Kentuckians are perpetuating talk that Stumbo will be offered a job by Governor-Elect Steve Beshear in order to clear the way for a Luallen candidacy. Not likely, because everyone in the state knows Stumbo’s latest poll is just wrapping up. He’s serious about the U.S. Senate and isn’t about to settle for a non-merit cabinet position.

And the other rumor about him considering a run against Hal Rogers in Kentucky’s 5th Congressional District? Far-fetched.

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