In addition to being a heartbreaking story, and a testimonial of Wal-Mart corporate greed, the Deborah Shank case has become a PR nightmare for Wal-Mart. While many would see this as reason enough for Wal-Mart to step up and do the right thing, instead, they've left their PR firm, Edelman with the huge task of spinning this story. Perhaps that explains why they've just hired a prominent republican communications professional, Katie Levinson. Of course, we don't know if that's why, but the timing, and the huge task of making Wal-Mart look good after suing a brain damaged former employee whose son died in Iraq makes a strong argument that it is.

Here's what PRNewser has to say:

Former Giuliani Comm. Manager Joins Edelman

With Rudy Giuliani's presidential campaign behind her, former communications manager Katie Levinson has moved on. From Potomac Flacks (via Politico):

...the well-known and highly-regarded Katie Levinson has joined Edelman Public Relations as senior vice president and political director in its New York Public Affairs practice. Her background includes serving as communications director and spokeswoman for the RNC, Bush-Cheney '04, President Bush, Governor Schwarzenegger's reelection and Mayor Giuliani's presidential campaign.

PRNewser wonders if she'll be bringing any former clients to her new agency.