McCain Campaign Manager, Chief Strategist Resign

July 10, 2007 · Filed Under Politics, U.S. News

John McCain’s campaign manager and chief strategist are gone from their leadership roles, a major staff shake-up for the struggling Republican presidential candidate who is all but broke and trails in opinion polls.

In statements, Terry Nelson, a veteran of President Bush’s successful 2004 re-election effort, said he resigned as campaign manager effective immediately and John Weaver said he stepped down from his post of chief strategist on Tuesday. But other officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to avoid discussing private conversations, said Nelson was fired.

Two officials said Rick Davis, a longtime aide to McCain, will take over the campaign.

“It has been a tremendous honor to serve Senator McCain and work on his campaign,” Nelson said. “I believe John McCain is the most experienced and prepared candidate to represent the Republican Party and defeat the Democratic nominee next year.”

Weaver said: “It has been my honor and a distinct privilege to serve someone who has always put our country first. I believe that most Americans will come to the conclusion that I have long known there is only one person equipped to serve as our nation’s chief executive and deal with the challenges we face, and that person is John McCain.”

[AP]