White House Chief of Staff William M. Daley has handed in his resignation. Everybody, including the president was surprised with his decision. This ended his yearlong tenure, whose mission was to reach out to congressional Republicans and businesses. President Obama announced that White House budget director Jacob Lew would replace Daley. White House

Daley is the son of the legendary Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley and the brother of former Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley. He has been the face of centrist Democratic politics within Obama’s administration.

President Barack Obama appointed Daley after the Democratic Party suffered losses in the 2010 election. The administration tried to reach out to congressional Republicans as they attempted to reach a compromise on decreasing the federal deficit.

Since the negotiations failed, the president decided to campaign against Congress. He travelled across the country to relay the message branding the Republicans as the enemy. He cast himself as the defender of the middle class against Wall Street and congressional Republicans. This strategy goes against Daley’s principles and background.

Daley’s resignation is the latest bump in Obama’s reelection campaign. He hoped that he could ride on his victory last month on extending the payroll tax cut. The country is also experiencing positive economic news.