Clinton campaign manager steps aside
Posted: Sunday, February 10, 2008 4:07 PM by Domenico Montanaro
From NBC's Chuck Todd and NBC/NJ's Athena JonesPatti
Solis Doyle has stepped aside as Clinton campaign manager. Maggie
Williams assumes the role of campaign manager. Dole remains as a senior
adviser.
"Patti Solis Doyle has done an extraordinary job in
getting us to this
point -- within reach of the nomination," Hillary Clinton said in a
statement released by her campaign, "and I am enormously grateful
for her friendship and her outstanding work. And, as Patti has said,
this already has been the longest presidential campaign in history and
one that has required enormous sacrifices of everyone and our families.
I look forward to her continued advice in the months ahead. Patti and
I have worked with Maggie Williams for more than a decade. I am lucky
to have Maggie on board, and I know she will lead our campaign with
great skill towards the nomination."
Williams served as Hillary Clinton's chief of staff in the White House.
Speculation there could be a shakeup in the campaign began weeks ago
and hit a peak just before the New Hampshire primary. Recent
reports that Solis Doyle overspent in Iowa -- helping put the campaign
in a precarious financial position that required a $5 million loan from
the New York senator -- added to the speculation among the chattering
class that a change was coming.
Doyle sent the following letter to campaign staff this afternon:
Over a year ago Hillary launched her campaign for President.
Her
announcement began a historic effort that has inspired millions and
brought hundreds of thousands to their feet all across this nation.
I
have been proud to manage this campaign, and prouder still to call
Hillary my friend for more than sixteen years. I know that she will
make a great President.
This has already been the
longest Presidential campaign in the history of our nation, and one
that has required enormous sacrifices from all of us and our families.
During the last month I have been working closely with my longtime friend, Maggie Williams.
This
week Maggie will begin to assume the duties of campaign manager. I
will serve as a senior adviser to Hillary and the campaign and travel
with Hillary from time to time on the road. Maggie is a remarkable
person and I am confident that she will do a fabulous job.
Although
I will continue to see you all at headquarters, I would be remiss if I
didn’t thank each of you for your dedication, excellence, and passion
over the last year.
You are the best campaign staff in
the history of Presidential politics and I am grateful to each of you
for your hard work and friendship.
