“Governor Romney’s strong performance and delegate count at this stage of the primary process has made him our party’s presumptive nominee,” said RNC Chairman Reince Priebus. “In order to maximize our efforts I have directed my staff at the RNC to open lines of communication with the Romney campaign.”
The leading edge of the synchronization will be four liaisons between the two organizations. Brian Jones, who
has been serving as an adviser to Romney since late last year, will lead that effort. Kevin Madden, who served as the press secretary for Romney’s 2008 presidential bid, will advise the communications operation and serve as a DC-based television surrogate for the Romney/RNC effort. Ward Baker, a veteran Tennessee-based GOP strategist, will help coordinate the political and field teams. Ron Kaufman, a veteran RNC member, and Ben Ginsberg, who served as national counsel to Romney’s 2008 race, will also facilitate interaction between the two groups.
Those familiar with the moves emphasized that they were not a takeover of the RNC by the Romney campaign — as has happened in past elections when the identity of the nominee became clear — but rather an integration designed to maximize the effectiveness of the two organizations. (Emphasis mine - Ed)