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Mike Stokke, former chief of staff to Illinois House Minority Leader Lee Daniels (R-Elmhurst) will join U.S. Rep. Dennis Hastert’s office next month as deputy chief of staff.

Stokke, 36, will be in charge of managing day-to-day operations in both the Yorkville Republican’s Washington office and his district office in Batavia. He replaces Phillip Kaim, who is leaving the GOP deputy whip’s staff to join the seminary.

During his career Stokke served as an aide to former Gov. James Thompson and to U.S. Rep. Tom Ewing (R-Ill.) before joining Daniels’ staff in 1995.

“I have known Denny for a long time and I have great respect for him as a person and as a leader,” Stokke said.

Stokke assumes his duties next week.