McCain campaign changes leadership

WASHINGTON, July 2 (UPI) -- Sen. John McCain's U.S. presidential campaign staff has been altered, with political adviser Steve Schmidt tapped to take over the day-to-day leadership role.

Schmidt's taking "full operational control" of the entire campaign means the role of Campaign Manager Rick Davis has been reduced, The Washington Post reported Wednesday.

Schmidt will continue to report to Davis, who now will focus on fundraising, selecting a vice presidential nominee and running the convention, sources told the Post. The changes were announced during a staff meeting Wednesday.

"Schmidt's going to run the campaign. He's still going to report to Rick. But he's going to have much broader ability to make decisions," said a top McCain aide said. "When he says something to the political people, there will be no question, no discussing."

One former campaign worker for the presumptive Republican nominee said the switch in roles was a reaction to people outside of the campaign who said McCain's recent presidential efforts have made several mistakes and seems to have a muddled message.