Long-time Bush aide resigns

WASHINGTON, June 1 (UPI) -- White House counselor Dan Bartlett, who has worked for U.S. President George Bush since his campaign for Texas governor, announced his resignation Friday.

His resignation is effective July 4. He said he was leaving the White House in part to help raise his young children.

"Dan has been a true counselor to the president. His contribution has been immeasurable," Bush said in a statement. "I value his judgment and I treasure his friendship."

Bartlett, whose formal title is "counselor to the president," has held several positions in the Bush White House, including communications director. He also worked for the Bush for President campaign and on both of Bush's successful Texas gubernatorial campaigns and in the Texas Statehouse, his White House biography said.

Before going to work for Bush, Bartlett worked for Karl Rove and Company in Texas.

"Since coming to work for me 14 ago as I prepared to run for governor, Dan has become a husband and a father. I understand his decision to make his young family his first priority," Bush's statement said.