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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowOne of Indiana Gov. Mike Pence's closest confidants is leaving the Statehouse to start a political consulting firm.
Bill Smith announced Wednesday he was leaving his job as Pence's chief of staff after 16 months effective May 9. Smith has been a top aide to Pence since the Republican was first elected to Congress in 2000.
Pence called Smith's contributions to his administration "incalculable" and thanked him for his service. While Smith's formal work with the governor's office is ending, he is expected to continue as a political adviser.
The governor's office said Smith is "departing the administration to form a public affairs and strategic communications firm, which is anticipated to work with the Governor’s campaign and other clients."
Pence's supporters have mentioned him as a possible White House contender in 2016. But Pence has been mum on his future plans, saying only that he's dedicated to his current job. If Pence does run, Smith would play a key role.
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