With the 2010 gubernatorial election drawing closer, Gov. Patrick’s political campaign committee is in for some changes. Charlotte Golar Richie, a former Dorchester state representative, is stepping down from her post as the head of the committee. Sydney Asbury, the administration’s senior policy adviser, will be taking her place as campaign manager. Asbury has worked as a senior policy adviser to the governor.

In a Tuesday e-mail to supporters, Patrick said that Golar Richie did a “wonderful job” and she won’t be a “stranger to our cause.” He added, “Stay tuned for further news about her.” Richie, who has also worked for the Patrick administration as senior director of federal, state and community affairs, is stepping down after a year at the committee post.

For watchers of Boston’s political scene and recent municipal elections, there will be a familiar face on the committee: Dorchester’s Tito Jackson, who missed in his attempt to gain a Boston City Council At-Large seat in the recent eleection, will take over as Patrick’s political director. Before jumping into the race, Jackson worked as industry director for information technology in the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development.

“I come from a family and a mindset that campaigns are run at the grassroots level and won at the grassroots level,” Jackson told the Reporter. “We have a lot to say and a lot to be proud
of.”

A Grove Hall native, Jackson has been mentioned as a potential successor to District 7 Councillor Chuck Turner once he retires. There were also rumors that Jackson was being encouraged to run against Sen. Sonia Chang-Diaz for the Second Suffolk District seat next year. “Did someone say I’m running against Obama, too?” Jackson quipped, before adding that he was “right now interested in getting Gov. Patrick re-elected.”

Jackson is the cousin of Ron Bell, who has worked for Patrick and is now with Alan Khazei’s U.S. Senate campaign.

Patrick is facing low poll numbers and three people are vying to run against him next year: Democrat-turned-independent Treasurer Timothy Cahill and Republicans Charles Baker and Christy Mihos.

Other people officially joining up with the Patrick re-election effort include Clare Kelly, who has signed on as the field director. Lonsdale Koester, who has worked in the Executive Office of Administration and Finance, will take over as finance director. They’ll be working with former Patrick chief-of-staff Doug Rubin and Obama campaign adviser David Plouffe.