LA Times media reporter James Rainey is switching gears to politics, in advance of the heat of the 2012 election. He’ll be giving up his media column to contribute to the Times‘ political blog Politics Now. LA Observed got a hold of the memo from Times national editor Roger Smith.

From: Smith, Roger
Sent: Friday, July 27, 2012 1:40 PM
Subject: Jim Rainey joins Politics Nows
I’m pleased to announce that Jim Rainey has joined Politics Now as a political blogger, giving us a big boost as we thunder toward the Nov. 6 general election. He will be posting frequently on all manner of political topics with the flair he developed as a media columnist, and with the expertise he has acquired over many years of covering politics and politicians. His commentary, which is already appearing, will augment the already strong news and analysis reporting coming from the political team.