A former Bush administration official who joined former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty's presidential campaign two months ago has stepped down from his role as a top Pawlenty policy advisor, the campaign confirmed Wednesday. Al Hubbard, prominent Republican fundraiser with close ties to Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels, led the National Economic Council under President George W. Bush. In announcing Hubbard's arrival on June 10, Pawlenty hailed it a sign of the growing momentum of his campaign. That was three days before a disastrous debate performance in New Hampshire that seemed to reverse Pawlenty's fortunes heading into next week's all-important GOP straw poll in Ames, Iowa. Pawlenty spokesman Alex Conant emphasized that Hubbard gave the maximum ($5,000) contribution to the campaign, suggesting he remains a supporter. "He is a financial contributor, became busy with work and is not operating in the policy role," Conant said.
