Barnett out as Schweikert spokeswoman

Lauren Barnett has left her post as the communications director for the David Schweikert congressional campaign, she and the campaign told PolitickerAZ.com Friday.

Barnett, who was the campaign manager for unsuccessful 5th Congressional District Republican primary candidate Laura Knaperek, made the switch to Knaperek's former rival Schweikert after the latter secured the nomination in September.

However, Barnett is now leaving to work on the Clean Coal campaign in Virginia, according to her replacement, J.P. Twist.

"We knew that she was going to go," said Twist, who said the change was planned and had nothing to do with job performance or personal issues. "We're just grateful for the help she gave us while she was here. She's a great girl." 

Twist said Barnett will continue to assist the campaign over the course of the remaining month of the election season.