[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/POLITICS/11/13/obama.staff.shakeup/story.gregcraig.gi.jpg caption="White House Counsel Greg Craig is reportedly leaving his post over his handling of plans to close Guantanamo Bay." width=300 height=169]
Ed Henry
CNN White House Correspondent
In the first major shakeup among President Obama's senior staff, White House Counsel Greg Craig announced his resignation Friday.
The resignation will take effect on January 3, according to a letter Craig sent to Obama.
Craig is being pushed out in favor of veteran Democratic lawyer Bob Bauer because of a dispute over plans to close the U.S. military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, CNN learned Thursday.
"I want to tell you how proud I am of all that your legal team has accomplished on your behalf," Craig wrote in the letter. "It has been a busy first year (for the administration), and I feel very lucky to have been part of it."
Obama, in a written statement, called Craig a "close friend and trusted adviser who tackled many tough challenges."
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Filed under: Ed Henry • Guantanomo Bay • President Barack Obama |
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This rumor has been out for weeks. It was said then that he was being kicked out for Anita Dunn's husband Bob because he has the same mind as Obama on things. Don't know if that's a good or bad thing or not. Now she's stepping down to avoid conflict of interest.
Cindy..Ga.