Trade representative's magician husband dies

WASHINGTON (AP) — Curtis Carroll, husband of U.S. Trade Representative Susan Schwab, has died, Schwab's office announced Tuesday.

Carroll, a professional magician, died Monday of kidney and liver failure, Schwab spokesman Sean Spicer said.

Schwab, former dean of the University of Maryland School of Public Policy, became President Bush's chief trade negotiator in June, succeeding Rob Portman, who was tapped to become White House budget director.

Deputy U.S. Trade Representative John Veroneau will represent Schwab on Wednesday at the signing ceremony for a free trade agreement with Colombia, Spicer said.