HELENA - U.S. Sen. Max Baucus has named Barrett Kaiser his new Montana chief of staff.

Kaiser, who has served as Baucus' chief spokesman and top speechwriter since 2003, was promoted from his job as communications director. He fills the post left vacant by Melodee Hanes, who is now working for the U.S. Department of Justice. Kaiser, 34, who has worked for Baucus since 1999, will be based in Billings.

Baucus also announced Tuesday that John Lewis will serve as his deputy state director in Helena and that Ty Matsdorf, Baucus' press secretary, will replace Kaiser as communications director. Carolyn Bunce replaces Matsdorf as press secretary while Melanie Brock will serve as Baucus' Montana press secretary and will be based in Missoula.