Karl Rove announces resignation

Karl Rove, President George W. Bush’s long-standing political adviser, has announced he is to resign at the end of this month.
The decision to step down comes as poll ratings for Mr Bush remain at the lowest level since his election in 2000.
Mr Rove, a long time political ally of the president, was the architect of Mr Bush’s controversial victory in 2000 and his re-election three years ago.But in an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Mr Rove said he was resigning to return to his home state of Texas and spend more time with his family.
 Mr Rove said he first floated the idea of leaving the White House a year ago but delayed his departure bacause of the Democrats victory in Congressional elections at the end of last year.