WASHINGTON -- Another aide is leaving the staff of Rep. Merrill Cook, R-Utah, but she says it is to take advantage of a bright opportunity and not because of recent staff controversy.
Cook's press secretary, Marianne Funk, will leave to become the press secretary for the House Republican Conference.That group, consisting of all GOP House members, selects Republican leadership; formulates party rules and floor strategy; and considers party positions on major legislation.
"I consider it a chance for work that goes beyond one congressional district, and deals with the Republican message for the whole Congress," said Funk, who also is a former reporter for the Deseret News.
Responding to questions, she said her departure had nothing to do with a recent meltdown between Cook and several former top aides whom Cook forced out.
Funk defended Cook during that controversy -- and was herself often attacked by the other former aides for doing so.