Jennifer O’Malley Dillon and Patrick Dillon are no strangers to Iowa. Patrick, 31, was a prominent strategist for Gov. Chet Culver’s 2006 campaign before becoming his chief of staff. Jennifer, 32, ran John Edwards’ Iowa Caucus campaign moving to Barack Obama’s campaign to oversee his efforts in battleground states.

Now, the two are becoming just as high profile in D.C. She was tapped to be the president’s handpicked executive director of the Democratic National Committee, and he is the White House deputy director of political affairs.

According to Politico, “These young-but-seasoned political operatives have Obama’s inside-outside game down pat.”

Iowa’s other “power couple” was not included on Politico’s list. John and Jackie Norris have been in the news of late after both changed their D.C. jobs. Jackie, who was First Lady Michelle Obama’s chief of staff, became the head of the Corporation for National and Community Service, which oversees government-run programs like AmeriCorps. A few days later, John was tapped for a seat on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which has oversight of America’s energy businesses from power plant to plug.

But apparently, for some the joy over Dillon’s departure wasn’t based purely on Hawkeye pride.

Cityview gossip columnist Civic Skinny says some around Des Moines are pleased with the pick because it means they may finally get calls returned from the governor’s office.

“Patrick earned the job,” [Culver] told Register editors last week. “It will be nice to have someone else in the White House we can call when we need some help.” Ah, yes, but will Patrick return the calls? If he does, it will almost be a first. The chief of staff was notorious for letting the call slips pile up — and then, presumably, throwing them away. Some agency heads and other pols say when they really needed answers they went to Lt. Gov. Patty Judge — who sometimes seems to be running the state — or counsel Jim Larew.

Skinny goes on to say that several lobbyists said they are “planning on throwing a going-away party to celebrate his going away.”

Dillon,31, is moving to Washington, D.C., with his wife, Jennifer O’Malley Dillon, who was recently appointed executive director of the Democratic National Committee.

Culver announced that Charles Krogmeier, 59, the director of the Department of Management who served as Culver’s deputy when he was Secretary of State, would be his new chief of staff.

Dillon has served as chief of staff since his appointment in December 2006 after managing the governor’s 2006 election campaign.

“Patrick Dillon has been an invaluable member of our team for more than three years, and I cannot thank him enough for his service to the people of Iowa. Most importantly, I appreciate his personal friendship and trusted advice,” Culver said in a statement. “I’m sorry to see him leave Iowa for now, but Patrick and I have always said that we married up, and I fully understand he needs to be in the same city as his better half. I wish him all the best as he begins a new chapter in his career during this exciting transition to a new administration.”

Krogmeier will begin his new job immediately. Dillon will serve in an advisory role through a transition period.

O’Malley Dillon is also the wife of Patrick Dillon, Gov. Chet Culver’s chief of staff.

In her new position, O’Malley Dillon will run the DNC’s day-to-day operations, including fundraising.

The news came as part of the announcment that Obama had chosen Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine to serve as chairman of the DNC.