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WASHINGTON, D.C. - Attorney General John Ashcroft today welcomed Dan Nelson to the Office of Public Affairs at the Department of Justice, where he will serve as spokesperson for civil rights and immigration issues.

"Dan will be an important part of our team," Ashcroft said. "Protecting the rights of all Americans is one of our most important objectives, and I look forward to Dan's help in communicating our priorities and accomplishments."

Previously, Nelson served as press secretary to California Senate Republican Leader Jim Brulte. In that capacity, he oversaw communications for numerous projects and initiatives, as well as day-to-day press operations.

From 1998-1999 he worked as a Senior Associate at NCG/Porter Novelli, where he served as Spanish spokesperson for various clients, managed public affairs strategies, coordinated press events and translated materials for clients.

Fluent in Spanish, Nelson will also serve as the Department's spokesperson for Spanish-language media. He graduated from California State University-Sacramento with a BA in public relations.

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