Three Top Malloy Staffers Leaving Administration

Three of Gov. Dannel Malloy’s top staff members have announced they will leave the administration.

Deputy Chief of Staff Mark Bergman, Communication Director Devon Puglia and Senior Director of Policy and Government Affairs Paul Mounds will pursue new professional opportunities, according to NBC Connecticut.
There is some speculation that Malloy will leave his governor post for another position should Hillary Clinton be elected president, according to the Hartford Courant. The moves of the three staff members are more personal in nature.
Some things could complicate a Malloy appointment, according to the CT Mirror. A federal grand jury is currently investigating the state Democratic Party regarding fundraising related to Malloy’s re-election campaign.
Clinton also has a long list of potential appointees.
Malloy’s popularity at home hit an all-time low in June. His approval rating was 24 percent, according to the Quinnipiac University Poll.
Lately Malloy has been on the attack for Clinton. He got a national audience when he spoke at Democratic National Convention in his capacity as head of the Democratic Governor’s Association.
Related: Democratic National Convention: Malloy Takes Aim at Trump/Pence Ticket
There is no love lost between Malloy and Trumps vice president pick Indiana Gov. Mike Pence.
The two have been at odds on the national stage numerous times, including issues over Syrian refugees and laws affecting the LGBT community.
Bergman will head to consulting and lobbying firm Grossman Heinz and his wife is due to give birth in August.
Puglia will be succeeded by Kelly Donnelly, who is currently chief of staff for State Department of Education Commissioner Dianna Wentzell.
Mounds will be succeeded by Chris Smith, who is currently the deputy for Mounds.