I probably shouldn’t open up with an admission of weakness on a blog ripe with zingers in the comments. But the truth is I’m not exactly the queen of snappy comebacks. I still haven’t thought of a good one for the Gandhi gauntlet — the group of skateboarders who would hang out in front of the library and taunt me, almost inexplicably, with yells of “Gandhi!” when I made my way inside to the children’s section circa 1986. (In a possible foreshadowing of Sondheim’s assassination humor, my dad suggested I call them “Kennedy.”)

profile.HariSevugan.jpgJudging by his skill in deploying memorable rapid-response retorts on behalf of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) Hari Sevugan probably didn’t have that problem when he was growing up. Born in Madras, raised in Illinois and a veteran of several political campaigns including Chris Dodd’s run for president, Sevugan completed a stint in the New York City public school system with Teach For America and practiced law before moving on to politics.

In an interview with Fox News Sevugan, a Cubs fan, shares his fondness for the underdog and the story of a bet made with his middle school students that left him with Dennis Rodman-inspired blond hair. He’s not a bleach blond anymore, but these days his colorful quips as the DNC’s national spokesman attract attention.

So far it’s been the easiest job I’ve ever had as there’s still no Republican budget proposal to respond to. — Politico. Sevugan on his first day on the job.

I’m going to pass on marketing advice from folks who hadn’t fully thought out the implications of using tea bags as a brand. — Oregonian. In response to a Republican resolution to rebrand Democrats as Socialists.

1996 Called. They Want Their GOP Sunday Show Lineup Back. — Americablog. After John McCain appeared on “This Week,” Newt Gingrich on “Fox News Sunday” and Dick Cheney on “Face the Nation.”

After that presidential campaign, Fred Thompson knows a thing or two about failure. — The Plum Line. Responding to Thompson’s desire for Obama’s policies to fail.

I’ve only recently become acquainted with Sevugan’s work from browsing a few political blogs after noticing a quote from him in the news. But given his role with the DNC and way with words we’re very likely to hear more from him over the next few years.

More: The Hindu profiled Meyappan ‘Hari’ Sevugan last year in “The Obama aide from Devakottai.”