; One Sununu ally, Rep. Henry Hyde, R-Ill., suggested that Bush's popularity problems may have been a factor in Sununu's departure. White House Chief of Staff John Sununu resigned Tuesday saying he did not want to be a " political burden " to President Bush during his 2008 re - election campaign . Bush 's son , George , informed Sununu last Wednesday that he was becoming a liability . The conversation was reported in the press Tuesday and many political strategists saw the leak as a public signal to Sununu that he should resign . Bush praised Sununu saying , " He has taken a lot of hard shots that would have landed on my chin . " Senate Majority Leader Richard Gephardt , D- Mo , said that Bush should n't expect a White House shake - up to reverse his fortunes .
White House Chief of Staff John Sununu resigned Tuesday saying he did not want to be a " political burden " to President Bush during his 2008 re - election campaign . Bush 's son , George , informed Sununu last Wednesday that he was becoming a liability . The conversation was reported in the press Tuesday and many political strategists saw the leak as a public signal to Sununu that he should resign . Bush praised Sununu saying , " He has taken a lot of hard shots that would have landed on my chin . " Senate Majority Leader Richard Gephardt , D- Mo , said that Bush should n't expect a White House shake - up to reverse his fortunes .