Brewer aide says he'll remain with 'new direction'

PHOENIX (AP) — A senior gubernatorial aide who submitted his resignation says he's been asked to remain on Gov. Jan Brewer's staff and will do so.

Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations Brian McNeil declined Monday to discuss circumstances that prompted his September resignation or to explain why he's remaining.

But he told The Associated Press that he spoke with Brewer and her new chief of staff, Eileen Klein, and that he appreciates the "changing direction" of the governor as well as the selection of Klein.

Klein recently replaced longtime Brewer aide Kevin Tyne as chief of staff.

Brewer had been criticized by legislators over her handling of the budget crisis.

McNeil was the Corporation Commission's executive director before joining Brewer's staff.