Visclosky chief of staff resigns

Rep. Pete Visclosky’s (D-Ind.) chief of staff has resigned after the congressman’s offices were served with subpoenas related to a federal investigation into the now-defunct lobbying group PMA.

Visclosky spokesman Jacob Ritvo confirmed Tuesday that Chief of Staff Chuck Brimmer “has retired.” The news comes the same day Visclosky announced he would ask another lawmaker to oversee his panel's main appropriations bill while he deals with the federal investigation.

Ritvo declined to elaborate on Brimmer’s resignation or say whether he was served with a subpoena.

“Out of respect for the process, I can provide no further comment,” Ritvo said.

Visclosky announced Friday that his congressional office, campaign and staff have been served with subpoenas in the inquiry.

The congressman has received $1.3 million from PMA and its clients since 1998 — the second-most among members of Congress. His former chief of staff, Rich Kaelin, left his office last year to lobby for PMA.

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