Bush top legislative offical resigns

WASHINGTON, Dec. 17 (UPI) -- White House congressional liaison Nicholas Calio resigned Tuesday, the fourth senior administration official to leave the Bush administration this month.

"Nick Calio has been a valuable and trusted member of my administration since the day I took office. As my top staff representative on Capitol Hill, he has been at the center of major legislative victories, from landmark education reforms to historic tax relief for the American people," said President George W. Bush said in a statement.

Calio served as Bush's chief liaison between the White House and Capitol Hill lawmakers and helped usher in key legislation such as Bush's $1.35 trillion tax cut.

In a letter to the president, Calio cited family and financial reasons for leaving the White House.

"It has been a truly distinct honor and a privilege to serve, but those words do not adequately describe the opportunity or the experience of being part of your administration," said Calio.

Bush said he has been able to count on Calio's good judgment, energy and loyalty.

Calio had served as head of the White House Office of Congressional Affairs under the senior Bush.

Calio's departure comes after numerous post-election exits from the Bush White House. Federal Emergency Management Agency chief Joe Allbaugh announced his resignation on Monday. On Friday vice presidential counselor Mary Matalin said she would also be leaving the administration.

Last week Bush asked for and received the resignations of his economic team, U.S. Department of Treasury Secretary Paul O'Neill and economic adviser Lawrence Lindsey. Bush later named John Snow, a transportation executive, to replace O'Neill. Stephen Friedman was appointed Thursday by Bush as his chief economic adviser.