April 6, 2008 7:00 PM
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Clinton Chief Strategist Steps Down
(CBS)
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- The chief strategist for Hillary Clinton's campaign, Mark Penn, has decided to step down according to a statement from Clinton Campaign Manager Maggie Williams.
Penn, who also works for Burston-Marstellar, has been under scrutiny over the last few days when reports surfaced that he met with officials of the Colombian government in regards to trade deals, deals that Clinton has opposed for some time.
A source within the campaign said, "Senator Clinton was disappointed that the meeting with the Colombians had occurred. She is a strong opponent of the trade deal."
Penn has been part of the Clinton campaign since the beginning and has been a source of controversy within the campaign as well, particularly after Clinton finished third in Iowa.
"Over the course of the weekend he (Penn) recognized that he needed to step aside and Senator Clinton agreed. He will continue to provide polling and advice as part of the team," the source added.
Penn will be replaced by pollster Geoff Garin and Communications Director Howard Wolfson.
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