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Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Bush economic aide leaving

By Ken Herman | Wednesday, November 28, 2007, 10:30 AM

Biggest growth industry at the White House these days? Resignation letters.

Today’s comes from Allan Hubbard, the dual-titled assistant to the president for economic policy and director of the National Economic Council.

Comes year’s end and Hubbard is outta here.

Unlike Fran Townsend, the White House homeland security adviser (see “Mr. President, you are such a man” item on Nov. 19), Hubbard actually took time to type up the resignation letter he submitted today.

Some highlights from Hubbard’s six-paragraph “Dear Mr. President” letter:

“I write with very mixed emotions to confirm my intention to leave the White House at the end of this year.”

“Were it not for my strong desire to spend more time with my kids, I would not have considered departing.”

“As your economic advisor, I am most proud of the strength and resiliency demonstrated by the U.S. economy because of your policies and in the face of trying circumstances.”

“Our Founders, in their wisdom, made legislating a difficult and cumbersome process, often requiring years to complete.”

“Achievements aside, what I will perhaps miss most of all is the camaraderie of the White House team. To a person, they put America’s interests ahead of their own. Washington is often portrayed as an arena of deception and self-promotion; but within our team I found only forthrightness, dedication, intelligence, hard work and mutual respect. You deserve great credit for this.”

Keith Hennessey, now the No. 2 man at the National Economic Council, will take over Hubbard’s roles, the White House announced today.

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