Attorney General candidate Ed Martin today was named chair of the Missouri Victory 2012, the state GOP's central get-out-the-vote effort.

Party chair David Cole made the announcement this afternoon even though Martin, a former chief of staff to Gov. Matt Blunt, is engaged in a GOP primary.

Martin faces Livingston County prosecutor Adam Warren in the August primary.

Asked if the appointment suggests that the state party is behind Martin in the primary, Cole said, "You can certainly interpret that however you want."

He cited Martin's energy and vitality, which he said was "unmatched by anyone."

Martin's key duties will be to coordinate efforts among interest groups.

The Victory committee's honorary chair is Sen. Roy Blunt.