Rauner ousts new communications team after 'white male' flap

A day after crafting a controversial statement citing Gov. Bruce Rauner’s position as a “white male,” the governor’s new communications staff has been ousted — with more exits on the way.

The staffers — hired in July after a staff purge and series of protest resignations — were asked to resign; one was asked to stay but chose to resign.

Among those leaving is former Illinois Policy Institute staffer Diana Rickert, who served as the governor’s deputy chief of staff for communications; Laurel Patrick, communications director; Brittany Carl and Meghan Keenan, both communications specialists. And multiple sources said exits of high-level staffers are also on the way.

Rauner in a statement on Thursday morning confirmed the exits, saying the four had submitted their resignations.

Read more: http://chicago.suntimes.com/news/sources-rauner-ousts-new-communications-team-after-white-male-flap/