CNN Political Editor Paul Steinhauser, who has covered campaigns, elections and polling for the international news organization, has been named News Anchor and Political Director for New Hampshire One News.

His appointment, effective Jan. 1, was announced Monday by Robb Atkinson, News Director of NH1.

Steinhauser comes to NH1 News with extensive experience in the political arena. Paul served in CNN's Political Unit, first as deputy political director, and later as political editor. Paul was an important player in CNN's Emmy Award winning coverage of the 2006 and 2012 elections.

In his new role, he will report to NH1 News Director Robb Atkinson, who previously worked in multiple roles for the CNN and NBC news organizations, and as News and Operations Director at WGME television in Portland, Maine.

Steinhauser joins a news team that includes longtime State House reporter Kevin Landrigan, who begins work at NH1 in September as Senior Political Correspondent. David Solomon, former editor of the Portsmouth Herald and Nashua Telegraph, and most recently a senior political writer at the New Hampshire Union Leader, started with NH1 in July as Managing Editor.

“Paul Steinhauser is nationally recognized as a great political journalist and we are delighted to have him come on board as the leader of our political team at NH1 News,” said Bill Binnie, President of NH1, Binnie Media and WBIN, Inc.. “We are pleased to say we have without doubt the best political reporters and news team in New Hampshire. The combination of, Paul Steinhauser from CNN, Kevin Landrigan from the Nashua Telegraph, and Dave Solomon from the Union Leader brings a depth and knowledge base that is unique and world class.”

CNN DC bureau chief Sam Feist today sent a note to bureau staff today announcing Paul's departure.

To: CNN Colleagues,

I am both happy and saddened to share the news that CNN’s longtime political editor, Paul Steinhauser, will be leaving us at the end of the month. Paul is leaving to take on a new role as the political director and anchor for NH1, a New Hampshire media startup that is already changing the political media landscape in one of America’s most interesting political places.

Paul and I have talked for many years of his love for all things New Hampshire, not the least of which includes his New Hampshire-native bride. And it hasn’t been an accident that Paul has figured out a way to travel to New Hampshire on dozens of assignments over the years.

Paul has done it all in his 28 years at CNN: desk assistant, assignment editor, AP, producer, show EP, deputy political director, and now political editor. The last three election cycles Paul logged countless live and taped segments for the various CNN networks; he also wrote and edited thousands of stories for CNN.com. And Paul was an important player in helping CNN win Emmy awards for our 2006 and 2012 election coverage.

We’ll miss Paul’s good humor and his political insight. But there’s a silver lining as we’re heading into a presidential campaign and because we’ll be in need of smart New Hampshire political analysis, I’m sure we’ll continue to regularly work with Paul and even see him on our air.

Please join me in congratulating Paul on his new adventure.

Sam