Finally, John Mercurio and Danielle Jones can get some sleep.

From the release:

National Journal Group, Washington's leading publisher of political and policy news and analysis, announced today that Amy Walter will be the new Editor-in-Chief of The Hotline, National Journal's daily briefing on politics and elections. Walter, currently a Senior Editor of The Cook Political Report, will join the staff of The Hotline on June 4.

At The Hotline, Walter will serve as the chief political voice of the publication, charged with establishing its editorial direction and strategic vision as well as managing the staff of nearly twenty writers and editors.

"Amy is as good as it gets when you talk about analyzing and handicapping political races around the country, and we are thrilled she's joining The Hotline team," said John Fox Sullivan, National Journal's Group Publisher and Chief Executive. "Danielle Jones and John Mercurio have done a great job running The Hotline since Chuck Todd's departure, and Amy's political knowledge and experience will add to what is already a top notch team."

"I am thrilled for the opportunity to lead a publication that is the staple of political wisdom and information in Washington," said Ms. Walter. "I have literally grown up reading The Hotline -- first as a young intern who waited for it to be hand-delivered by messenger to its current incarnation on the web -- and I'm excited to work with such a talented team to continue to innovate and enhance Washington's daily political 'must read.'"

Since 1997, Ms. Walter has been responsible for handicapping and analyzing U.S. House races at The Cook Political Report. She is also a contributor to two other National Journal Group publications, National Journal and CongressDaily. She is frequently called upon for comment as a congressional election expert by both print and broadcast media, and was awarded the Washington Post's Crystal Ball award for her Election 2000 predictions.

Ms. Walter serves as a political contributor to CNN and provided Election Night commentary for the network in the 2002, 2004, and 2006 elections. Ms. Walter has also been a frequent guest on CBS' Face the Nation and The Early Show, C-Span's Washington Journal, and PBS' The Newshour with Jim Lehrer.