By AP/KWMU
Jefferson City, MO. – Governor Matt Blunt's director of appointments is leaving to become a political consultant.
James Harris plans to step down Friday. He announced his departure today in an e-mail to Blunt's staff and said he plans to work on Republican campaigns for the state Legislature.
Harris worked on Blunt's campaign for governor two years ago.
After Blunt took office, he became the governor's director of boards and commissions.
One of his duties was to line up private contractors to run the state's 183 vehicle and driver's license offices.
Federal authorities have been investigating the arrangements of some of those offices.
Blunt spokesman Spence Jackson says Harris was not asked to resign and his departure has nothing to do with any investigation.