AP names new Washington assistant bureau chief

The Associated Press has appointed a new assistant bureau chief to oversee AP's Washington regional reporting team.

The appointment of Wendy Benjaminson is part of a plan to monitor the relationship between federal and state governments.

Benjaminson, previously the agency's Texas news editor, will be responsible for spotting trends and coordinating reporting from both the states and the capital on issues such as spending, immigration and pensions.

She will also work closely with the AP’s state bureaux and regional editing desks to "elevate the coverage of state governments".

"There are few stories more important than the belt tightening, problem-sharing and shifting and the finger-pointing that will go on between Washington and the states in the year ahead. Wendy, with her experience in Washington and Texas, is uniquely well prepared for this mission," senior managing editor Mike Oreskes said.

The appointment was announced yesterday by Sally Buzbee, the AP's Washington bureau chief.

Sonya Ross, who was previously news editor for the Washington bureau's regional reporting team is to move into a new editing position leading AP's coverage of race, ethnicity and demographics.

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