RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - The longtime top staff member for North Carolina Senate leader Phil Berger who was also the political strategist who helped Republicans take over the chamber for the first time in 140 years is resigning from his General Assembly job.
Berger announced Chief of Staff Jim Blaine’s departure on the Senate floor just before the legislature concluded this year’s primary session Friday. Berger praised Blaine, saying he was a big part of the good policy coming from the Senate since 2011.
Blaine previously worked as the Senate GOP’s political director as Republicans won the Senate majority in 2010.
Berger cited Blaine’s young family as his reason for leaving the job in a few weeks. There’s no immediately word what Blaine will do next.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.