WASHINGTON — As George W. Bush underwent a seven-year metamorphosis from gubernatorial candidate to president, and then through the six years, four months and 12 days of his White House tenure so far, Dan Bartlett was always at his side.
On Friday, Bartlett announced that he was heading out the door.
His departure leaves only political advisor Karl Rove among the Texans who arrived in Washington with Bush and worked closely with him in the White House West Wing. Bartlett's decision to leave underscores the growing challenge the president will face in the last 1 1/2 years of his administration.
Bartlett's title is counselor to the president. His role and responsibilities have ranged across White House operations. He's had a hand in developing policy, analyzing the political implications of various decisions, and directing how such decisions would be conveyed to the public.
"His contribution has been immeasurable," Bush said in a statement. "I value his judgment and I treasure his friendship."
Bartlett, 36, has three sons -- twins who are close to 4 years old, and a 4 1/2 -month-old. On Friday, he said he had decided it was time to stop heading for the office at 6 a.m. and returning home at least 14 hours later.
On a vacation last summer, he said, White House technicians trailed him "to set up a secure video conference" so he could continue working.
"I've had competing families," Bartlett told reporters. "And unfortunately, the Bush family has prevailed too many times, and it's high time for the Bartlett family to finally prevail."
He said he planned to leave by July 4.
There has been a steady turnover within the White House in recent months, and Bartlett predicted that others would make similar moves "over the course of the summer."
The pattern is typical for two-term administrations in modern times. Many who have invested years working for a president look to move into more lucrative, and less time-consuming, private-sector jobs before their cachet as Washington insiders evaporates.
That means Bush has had to replace trusted aides as he wrestles with the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, a litany of disputes with the Democratic-controlled Congress, and the growing shadow of the campaigns to replace him.
This week, he responded with a flurry of efforts to shape the policy debate. These included promoting initiatives or funding plans to combat global warming, AIDS and the violence in Darfur, as well as intensifying his push for an overhaul of immigration law.
