We’d been hearing rumors that Washington Post politics/style writer Michael Powell, who had been shifted from his New York bureau chief position in recent weeks, was being wooed by the New York Times. Tired of behind-the-scenes talk, we asked him directly whether he’s a mover and/or a shaker.

“I move, but I’m in reasonably good shape, so hopefully not too much shaking,” he told BHDC this evening. ”I am going to the Times for purely personal reasons. I’ve been at the Post for ten years, covering the last days of Marion Barry (his decayed, Autumn of the Patriarch phase), and national politics and Neuva York and I’ve loved every minute of it. Great paper, great place to work.”

He added that he’s excited about going to the Times, and that there was no downside in working at the Post. Hmm, we’ve heard that a lot in recent weeks, right Jim VandeHei and John Harris?