job application question

I work in a field that is a *VERY* small world (it's normal for people to relocate across state lines for positions, as I have before). As you can probably tell, networking is very key in this field, and I am just getting to the point where I have some clout (I've been in my field for 3 years as a staffer). I learned on Friday that a group that a very good friend of mine (and I) applied to was praising me from when I worked for them in the 2011 cycle and is likely to bring me back.

My friend applied to a different position within the same organization (we work in different departments) and while I know that many applied, I would like to fast-track his application and get him the interview (a selfish reason is I want to work in the same state and be able to spend more time with him). (He also gave me the background info on his state, where I worked last year, and essentially got me the job and I REALLY want to return the favor). How do I word the email to the person in charge of screening applicants (that I know) so it can fast track his application and not make me sound like an idiot?