Pete Ashdown, a local Democrat seeking to unseat Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, from office, has hired a new campaign manager.

Brett Garner succeeds Carla Wiese, who recently stepped down to make more time for her responsibilities as a counselor for teens. Garner will help organize Ashdown's challenge to the five-term senator in 2006.

This will be Garner's largest campaign. Garner managed Bret Hughes' unsuccessful 2004 campaign against Rep. Ann Hardy in Utah's District 20. Garner also interned for the nonpartisan Campaign Legal Center in Washington D.C.

Garner is also involved with the Davis County Democrats and Young Democrats of Utah.

"Brett's background, his honesty, integrity and experience are a vital part of my strategy for winning this election," Ashdown said in a statement. "I am confident that Brett shares my goals and will help me achieve victory."