Macon City Councilman Erick Erickson Joins CNN

Erickson has made guest appearances on CNN and other national networks since December, but this is an official contract guaranteeing him airtime through the presidential election in 2012.

Erickson initially planned to give up his seat on Macon city council due to schedule conflicts between meetings and the show, but CNN said they want him to keep his commitment to public service and will work around his schedule. Starting Monday, Erickson will voice his conservative opinions on 'John King USA' Monday through Friday at 7 PM.

Erickson said, "Part of the arrangement will be covering the big election night things...the state of the union address, election night, things like that.  If I travel around the country for red state, I'll be doing work for CNN hopefully as well."

Erickson has received national attention, as Editor in chief of RedState.com, one of the most widely read right-wing blogs in the country.  Aside from a gig on John King USA, Erickson will also give political commentary to other programs on CNN.

"It's kind of cool to live in Macon, GA and be able to be on an international news network. CNN's seen all over the world.  It's also kind of home as well.  I grew up watching CNN.  I grew up overseas and that was where you turned for news and now they're in Atlanta.  It's kind of like coming home," Erickson tells 41 NBC News.

Erickson will still call Macon home and plans to commute to Atlanta.  His city council term is up at the end of next year and he does not plan to run for re-election.