A couple of Indiana politicians found that New Year’s is a good time to change supporting casts.

House Speaker Pat Bauer changed his Chief of Staff.  Pete Nemeth is out, Pat Cunningham is in.  Its a move that apparently was Nemeth’s call but it took other staffers by surprise, especially since it comes in the days leading up to the 2008 session.  J.D. Lux, session help in the past, comes on board full-time.

Then there’s Jim Schellinger.  The 2008 candidate for governor, has a vacancy for campaign manager.   Mike Edmondson, long rumored to be on the way out, is now labeled an advisor but, according to a campaign spokesman, is “looking for other opportunities.”

The campaign says that, despite rumors and the additional departure of staffer Joel Miller, there is no shakeup.  Repeat, there is no shakeup.