This just in:

State Treasurer Sarah Steelman announced a few minutes ago that Spence Jackson — the legendary and highly quotable former spokesman for Gov. Matt Blunt –will join her campaign staff, as of Thursday, as communications director.

“Spence Jackson brings a wealth of experience, energy and enthusiasm to our campaign and I am delighted he has agreed to serve as our Communications Director,” Steelman said in an e-release.  “He has been a part of three successful statewide political campaigns and understands what it takes win elections in Missouri.”

Jackson, 37, is a Springfield, Mo., native whose first prominent political post was field director in Sen. Christopher “Kit” Bond’s 1998 re-election campaign (against Attorney General Jay Nixon, by the way).

In 2000, Jackson served as communications director for  Blunt’s campaign for Secretary of State; Jackson served the same role in Blunt’s successful bid for governor.

Between elections, Jackson was the voice of Blunt in the secretary of state and governor’s office. As the governor’s designated spear-thrower, Jackson often offered up the headline-grabbing quotes.

Jackson was an unabashed defender of Blunt in his dealings with the press. On the plus side, as far as reporters were concerned: Jackson always returned press calls promptly.

That role ended in 2006, when Jackson took on his current job in the Missouri Department of Economic Development as Deputy Director-Communications and Community Outreach

Said Steelman’s release: “In the 2000 election, Jackson was stationed in St. Louis and also oversaw a successful field effort that helped Blunt become the only statewide Republican candidate to win St. Louis County…”

Jackson’s hiring by Steelman adds more intrigue to the governor’s race, and comes shortly after she took on James Harris, a former top aide to the governor.

Many of the governor’s other allies are working for her rival, U.S. Rep. Kenny Hulshof, R-Columbia.