MEXICO CITY — Republican presidential candidate John McCain said Thursday that a shake-up in the leadership of his campaign was part of a “natural evolution” as the organization becomes more national in scope.
McCain’s campaign announced Wednesday that top adviser Steve Schmidt would assume a broad portfolio of day-to-day duties.
“Our campaign continues to grow, and the responsibilities are expanding, and Mr. Schmidt is taking over some increased responsibilities,” McCain said. “It’s a natural evolution as we become more and more of a national campaign with increased staff and increased responsibilities.”
Schmidt disclosed in a memo Thursday to the 11 regional campaign managers that he will hire a national political director and a national field director to operate from the campaign’s northern Virginia headquarters to improve regional operations and coordination.
