McCain shakes up campaign hierachy

0 Comments | AFP, July, 2008

WASHINGTON (AFP) — Republican White House candidate John McCain has shaken up top echelons of his presidential effort, a campaign source said Wednesday, amid reports of disquiet over the trajectory of his campaign.

Arizona Senator McCain put his senior advisor Steve Schmidt, a hard-hitting political operative, in charge of day-to-day operations, the source told AFP on condition of anonymity.

Existing campaign manager Rick Davis will take on a broader role, overseeing tasks like the selection of a vice presidential running mate for McCain and the Republican national convention.

The shake-up comes just weeks into the evolving general election campaign between McCain and Illinois Senator Barack Obama with the Democrat enjoying a six-percent lead over McCain in...