Former state Rep. Joan Barry, D-Oakville, today announced that she’d hired a campaign manager and finance director for her bid this fall to win the state Senate seat now occupied by Democrat Harry Kennedy, D-St. Louis, who is being forced out by term limits.

Barry’s Republican opponent is state Rep. Jim Lembke, R-South County.

Barry has hired David Knight as her campaign manager and Mike Coleman as finance director.

” I am excited to add both David and Mike to the team.  David’s grassroots experience is tremendous and will provide great leadership to the organization,” Barry said in a statement. “He most recently worked for John Edwards in Iowa where he managed an office of five employees and oversaw an eight county region.  Edwards, although being significantly outspent by Clinton and Obama, took second in the Iowa caucus.”

“Mike came highly recommended from the Missouri Democratic Party and various local campaigns where he served as a Finance Director,” she added.” …These two seasoned campaigners will greatly enhance the direction and ability of the organization.”