10/01/11 5:49 PM

Cain’s Communications Director Resigns

Ellen Carmichael, Communications Director for Herman Cain's presidential bid, resigns. TPB is second to the story, first to the details.

Ellen Carmichael, Presidential hopeful Herman Cain’s Communications Director is leaving the campaign.

CNN is reporting that her resignation has been delivered, but that the “paperwork’s not final.” Carmichael had worked for Mr. Cain since mid-2010 where she’s shaped Cain from radio show host to top-tier contender for the Republican nomination.

She told TPB that she would speak in a few days, but had little desire to go on record as a professional courtesy to Cain.

Although she told CNN that her decision was a personal one (although will seek new professional opportunities, further insisting this was sudden), it comes as a sudden surprise to many close to the campaign. In an interview just 5 days ago with Matt Lewis of the Daily caller, Carmichael gave no indication she was leaving the campaign, going so far as to say that working for Cain had allowed her to “live my dream.” In that same question where Lewis asked what was next for her, she started, “continuing to work tirelessly to get Mr. Cain to the White House. Also, a trip to DC this week, which means I get to see many old friends that I love dearly while I work up there.”

Carmichael’s press assistant who came on just a few months ago when Cain started gaining traction in the debates is also leaving out of loyalty. This is a common practice in political campaigns.

TPB has learned that Carmichael’s replacement will be from the quieter end of the communications department, J.D. Gordon, which has TPB is told has been assisting in leading the communications strategy recently.

According to his consulting communications firm website, J.D. Gordon is the former Department of Defense spokesman for the Western Hemisphere under Secretaries Rumsfeld and Gates, as well as is a retired Navy Commander.

There is clear indication from multiple sources we talk to, that there is some underlying tension that led to Carmichael’s resignation. She was one of the first of just two hires on the campaign, serving as a senior advisor, and had worked for Mr. Cain dating back to the days of his 2010 PAC.

This announcement comes on the heels of the release of Herman Cain’s book, which officially comes out in stores on October 4, 2011 which Carmichael had a significant role in shaping.

The timing of this announcement is sure to be seen as interesting, as Cain has experienced a string of recent successes such as his win in the Florida Straw Poll last week, and his appearance last night on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

Carmichael insists that this parting is amicable and says that this indicates no “displeasure with Mr. Cain.”

One journalist-blogger who has been close to the campaign, even assisting the Citizens 4 Cain grassroots group, Robert Stacy McCain has more details and takes a further look into this developing story.

More on: Ellen Carmichael, Herman Cain, Resignation