From ABC’s David Westin:

About a month ago, Mark Halperin came to me to say that he wanted more time to pursue writing – perhaps another book and possibly for a publication. We all know how valuable a member of our political reporting team Mark is, and he made it clear that he has an equally high opinion of ABC News and what we’re trying to accomplish. So, we’ve worked out a new relationship with Mark that will transform him from our Political Director to our Political Analyst at least through the 2008 election. This will make it possible for us to continue to draw upon Mark’s unparalleled political analysis and knowledge while at the same time giving him some new venues in which to use his talents.

As Political Director these past 10 years, Mark has groomed an entire generation of outstanding political reporters. I’m pleased to say that our new Political Director will be one of the best and brightest of them, our own David Chalian. David began his career at ABC News in 2003 after covering city and state politics at NY1. At ABC News, David has distinguished himself and our news organization reporting on the California recall in 2003, the entire 2004 presidential cycle from Iowa to election night, and the 2006 midterms. David is deeply involved in every aspect of our political coverage and planning for 2008. Please join me in congratulating Mark and David.