Oxman's double life

From P-G politics editor Jim O'Toole:

While Gov. Ed Rendell is mired in Harrisburg's budget morass, one of the folks who helped get him elected had better things to do.

Neil Oxman, of the Campaign Group, a Philadelphia-based national media consulting firm has temporarily left the world of politics behind to caddy for his longtime friend, Tom Watson. It's a regular chapter in the double life Mr. Oxman leads as strategist for myriad campaigns and golf course counselor for mr. Watson.

That sounds like a good gig under almost any circumstances, but it must have been particularly heady yesterday as the veteran posted a 65 to lead the field after the first day of the British Open. The Duquesne University Law School alum will be carrying the clubs for Mr. Watson again at the Senior British Open, but before long he'll be back from the broad sunlit fairways to the dingy smoke-filled rooms. His firm is handling Dan Onorato's anticipated but still not officially announced campaign for governor next year. The Campaign Group is also Iikely to serve as message guru for Rep. Joe Sestak's challenge to Arlen Specter.

(Above: Oxman, Watson's son and Watson in 2007)