Palo Alto, CA-California Attorney General exploratory candidate, Chris Kelly, announced the initial formation of his campaign team today, gearing up for what promises to be a hotly contested Democratic primary.

"I'm very excited to work with this talented group of campaign veterans," Kelly said.

Craig Schirmer, based in Los Angeles, will serve as the campaign's chief strategist. In 2007, Schirmer was one of the first strategists hired by the Obama for America campaign, where he managed a number of President Obama's key victories (SC, WI, NC and PA). Craig also worked on California State Treasurer Phil Angelides' 2006 campaign for governor.

Lisa Cassinis, former Finance Director for the California Democratic Party, has joined the Campaign as the statewide Finance Director. Lisa comes to the Kelly Campaign after seven years of statewide democratic fundraising working in partnership with top Democratic corporations, unions, tribes and activists.

Jefrey Pollock, of Global Strategy Group will serve as the pollster. Pollock has polled in hundreds of races in California, including for Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez, Congresswoman Linda Sanchez and has polled for Attorney's General across the country.

Brent Blackaby and Perry Rosenstein from Blackrock Associates will manage the campaign's online strategy, communications, and fundraising program. Blackrock clients include Senator Barbara Boxer, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Secretary of State Debra Bowen, and Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.

Nick Baldick, of Hilltop Public Solutions, who successfully ran the campaign for Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster, will also serve as a campaign strategist.

As a Silicon Valley attorney, Kelly has represented some of the world's most innovative companies, including Netscape, Apple, eBay, and Google. For the past four years, he has served as Chief Privacy Officer and Head of Global Public Policy for Facebook.

"Our political process is broken and needs revolutionary change. I'm excited to be a part of the change and new leadership coming to California," said Kelly.

To learn more about Chris Kelly's candidacy, please visit www.kelly2010.com and www.facebook.com/chriskelly.