Carly Fiorina named vice chair of GOP’s Senate campaign committee

Failed California GOP Senate candidate Carly Fiorina was named on Tuesday as the vice chair of the Republicans’ effort to retake the Senate in 2012.

Fiorina, the former Hewlett-Packard chief who lost to incumbent Sen. Barbara Boxer by 10 points last November, was named the vice chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee.

“I’m pleased to welcome my friend Carly Fiorina to the NRSC team, where her many business and civic achievements will make her an invaluable leader and fundraiser during this critical election cycle,” said the committee chair, Sen. John Cornyn of Texas, in a statement. “I look forward to working with Carly to elect strong Republican Senators who will finally put a stop to President Obama’s failed tax-and-spend agenda, and instead promote the economic growth and job creation Americans so badly need.”

Fiorina was ousted as the CEO of Hewlett-Packard before serving as an adviser to Sen. John McCain during his unsuccessful 2008 presidential run. She then ran against Boxer, proving to be a charismatic campaigner, but ultimately lost 52-42.

The announcement Tuesday is her first public move since that loss. At the NRSC, Fiorina will focus on economic issues and fundraising.

“The Senate sets the legislative agenda for the nation. I am proud to work alongside Chairman Cornyn, Vice Chairman [Orrin] Hatch and all Republican Senators to restore a Republican majority in 2012,” Fiorina said in a statement. “Republicans in the Senate will provide job creators the opportunities and environment they need to grow our economy, decentralize power out of Washington, and restore fiscal accountability.”