The Democratic Party of Arkansas reports it has hired Gabe Holmstrom, former spokesman for Attorney General Dustin McDaniel, to serve as senior adviser for the 2010 campaign year.

Holmstrom will focus on the U.S. Senate race.

“I am happy to have Gabe back on the team,” state party chairman Todd Turner says in a news release. “I look forward to having him on board to ask all of the Republican Senate candidates the tough questions.”

Holmstrom, a Cabot native, has also served as executive director of the state Democratic Party and as campaign manager for U.S. Rep. Marion Berry.

Gabe Holmstrom, spokesman for state Attorney General Dustin McDaniel, says he is leaving the AG’s office to return to the world of campaign politics.

A former executive director of the Arkansas Democratic Party, Holmstrom said this will be his last week as McDaniel’s spokesman. He said he is not going to work for a political candidate but declined to say what his new job would be. An announcement will be made next week, he said.

“It’s an exciting opportunity,” Holmstrom said.

Kathy Roche, a communications specialist in the AG’s office, will take over Holmstrom’s duties temporarily.