Corbett’s top aide steps down

Governor Tom Corbett’s top aide has left his post.  Bill Ward is stepping down to become a judge in the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas.The change is being made amid reports some top Republican donors are urging the governor to improve how he deals with the Republican controlled legislature.

Terry Madonna, a political science professor at Franklin and Marshall College, says the change could signal a shift in the way the administration shapes its message.”It’s not unusual–it’s in fact rather typical. I don’t think the difference at the moment exists within the Republican Party and the advisers to the governor that it’s a question of policies,” said Madonna. Madonna notes Corbett’s approval rating has been sinking, which he says isn’t surprising given the economy.Protests against the governor’s proposed budget cuts to education and social services have been regular occurrences at the Capitol.Corbett’s general counsel Stephen Aichele will take over the position. He’s the husband of the current secretary of the Commonwealth, Carol Aichele.