A new fellow has joined the staff of Republican State Senator Bob Dutton (SD 31). Dutton's new staff hire, Alexander Vassar, is a recent graduate from San Jose State University (the crown jewel of the CSUS system, IMHO) and even more recently has served the people of the 31st State Senate District as Senator Dutton's Legislative Fellow.

The Legislative Fellowship program is jointly operated by the State Senate and Cal State Sacramento.

Here is the official announcement via Dutton press release:

Senator Bob Dutton (R-Rancho Cucamonga) announced today the addition of Alexander Vassar, a 2007– 08 Senate Fellow to his Capitol office.

Vassar was selected among hundreds of applicants for one of 18 Senate Fellowships.

The newest member of the Dutton staff holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from San Jose State University. He will join Senator Dutton’s office as a full-time staff member Dec. 3. His duties will include researching, developing, and staffing legislation, along with participating in meetings as the senator’s representative with constituents, school groups, lobbyists and others on a variety of policy issues.

“I am pleased to add Alex to my legislative team,” Senator Dutton said. “Being a fellow provides an excellent opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge of the legislative process. Whether your career goals are in the public or private sector, the Senate Fellowship provides valuable training and experience.”

Former Senate Fellows include current members of Congress and the California Legislature, judges, and numerous other elected officials and community leaders.

In addition to working on the personal staff of a State Senator or Committee Staff, fellows participate in academic seminars where they interact with senators, senior staff, journalists, lobbyists, and other state government officials. They earn 12 units of graduate credit from Sacramento State for the academic portion of the program.

The fellowship program is jointly operated by the California Senate and Center for California Studies at Sacramento State University. Fellows are paid a monthly plus receive health, vision, and dental benefits.

Red County San Bernardino welcomes Senator Dutton's tremendous new hire.