Murphy, ACLU's top lobbyist, steps down

WASHINGTON, March 8 (UPI) -- The American Civil Liberties Union's chief lobbyist, Laura Murphy, is resigning after 12 years in the post, The Hill reported Tuesday.

The first woman and first black to lead the group's lobbying shop, Murphy said she wants to spend more time with her family.

"I have struggled with this decision, but sometimes you have to listen to your heart and mine is telling me that it is time to recalibrate the balance between work and family," Murphy said.

Colleagues lauded her efforts on Capitol Hill on behalf of a variety of hot-button issues that have made the ACLU a guiding light for liberals and a bane of conservatives. The group's interests include abortion, lesbian and gay rights and anti-terrorism efforts.

"Laura has made an enormous contribution to the protection of civil liberties in this country," ACLU Executive Director Anthony Romero said in a statement.

Under Murphy's direction, the ACLU lobbying shop's staff doubled and its budget grew from $1 million to $6.5 million.