Obama Counsel Bob Bauer Leaving White House
Add Bob Bauer to the list of White House employees who are leaving their administration positions to work on the 2012 elections. The White House announced Thursday that Bauer, one of the nation’s top election law attorneys, would leave his job as White House counsel to reprise his role helping the president and other Democrats on the ballot in 2012.
Bauer was a partner at Perkins Coie before being appointed to the administration post in November 2009. His job as the White House’s top lawyer will be filled by Kathryn Ruemmler, the president’s principal deputy counsel and Bauer’s top aide.
Bauer is expected return to Perkins Coie at the end of June, which represents a large number of Democrats and the Democratic National Committee. He is married to Democratic consultant Anita Dunn, who briefly worked as the White House communications director.
“Bob is a good friend and has served as a trusted advisor for many years,” President Barack Obama said in a statement. “Bob was a critical member of the White House team. He has exceptional judgment, wisdom, and intellect, and he will continue to be one of my close advisors.”
Earlier this year, the president’s senior adviser, David Axelrod, and White House press secretary Robert Gibbs left their positions. They each are expected to help with Obama’s re-election campaign.