Lt. Gov. Diane Denish has lost another public information officer — her eighth in less than eight years.

But James Hallinan will still be making a living by singing the praises of Denish at least part of the time. He's become the new communication director for the state Democratic Party.

Denish is the only Democrat running for governor this year.

Hallinan, 27, joined the lieutenant governor's staff late last year following the resignation of Denish spokeswoman Sam Thompson, who quit in November because of her health. He was paid $45,000 a year.

Josh Rosen, Denish's chief of staff, said he will handle media relations for the office.

Last year, following Thompson's departure, former Denish PIOs interviewed said they had no problem with the lieutenant governor personally, but that the work was hard and Denish's expectations were high.

The official duties of the lieutenant governor consist of filling in for the governor when he's out of state or incapacitated, presiding over the Senate when the Legislature is in session and serving as a state government ombudsman to hear concerns and complaints from citizens. Denish also serves on several boards, commissions and task forces including the Children's Cabinet, the Border Authority, the Community Development Council, the Workforce Development Board and the state Board of Finance.

Contact Steve Terrell at 986-3037 or sterrell@sfnewmexican.com. Read his political blog at roundhouseroundup.com.