The communications director for Herman Cain’s presidential campaign has resigned, CNN has learned.
Ellen Carmichael told CNN on Saturday her decision is firm but not yet finalized.
“I have resigned but the paperwork’s not final,” Carmichael said.
Carmichael explained her decision is a personal one and that she’s pursuing other professional opportunities. She also said that her assistant, Francis Boustany, is also leaving out of allegiance to Carmichael.
CNN asked Carmichael about the Republican presidential candidate’s reaction to her departure. Carmichael is well known to the political press corps as a reliable and responsible promoter of Cain’s message. She was recently recognized at a CNN event as part of a new generation of newsmakers. And Cain has often publicly praised Carmichael.
“It’s a very amicable departure,” Carmichael said. “He wished me the best of luck. And I will forever be fond of him and appreciative of this opportunity.”
In June, two other staffers left the Cain campaign. CNN asked Carmichael if her and Boustany’s departures are a sign of more trouble for Cain.
“No comment,” she said.
“I have served Mister Cain for more than a year,” Carmichael added. “We’ve had ups and downs. We’ve had tons of money and very little money. And I’ve stuck through some very difficult and some very rewarding times on the campaign. And it was just time for me to go pursue other professional opportunities.”
Source: CNN | Shannon Travis
BCNN1 WP 