John McCain (R) Senator, AZ Born: 08/29/1936 Birthplace: Panama Canal Zone Home: Phoenix, AZ Religion: Episcopalian >> Website >> Forum >> Related Stories Coming Events

WASHINGTON — Sen. John McCain's top communications aides and several staffers in Iowa and South Carolina quit Monday, the latest departures to hit the Republican as he struggles to rebound from financial and political woes.

Brian Jones, McCain's communications director, and his two deputies, Matt David and Danny Diaz, stepped down but plan to stay on through the week. Two others in the communications shop at the campaign headquarters also are leaving, as are two staffers apiece in Iowa and South Carolina. Jill Hazelbaker, McCain's New Hampshire communications director, is expected to take over for Jones and head up a slimmed-down media operation. The moves were all but certain following the departures last week of campaign manager Terry Nelson and chief strategist John Weaver.