CNN

(CNN) – Carl Forti, a senior adviser to Mitt Romney’s presidential campaign, is taking the helm at Freedom’s Watch, the group organized last year as the conservative response to MoveOn.org.

“Carl is a seasoned political operative with a broad and deep understanding of the policy issues that shape political dynamics both nationally and locally. He brings to the table an unparalleled level of issue advocacy expertise,” the 501 (c) 4’s board of directors said in a statement released Tuesday. “Carl will play an integral role in this organization as we move to impact critical public policy issues that will be debated this year.”

Forti, who was Deputy Campaign Manager and Political Director for Romney’s unsuccessful presidential bid, will lead the group’s 2008 issue advocacy campaign.

The group had launched a headline-grabbing, multi-million dollar ad campaign last fall in support of the war in Iraq, but its profile had slipped a bit in recent months in the wake of several major staff departures.

–CNN Associate Political Editor Rebecca Sinderbrand