Dukakis’ Press Secretary Quits in Staff Shake-up

BOSTON —  Massachusetts Gov. Michael S. Dukakis shook up his Democratic presidential campaign staff Friday, accepting the resignation of press secretary Patricia O’Brien and promoting field director Jack Corrigan to director of campaign operations.

The departure of O’Brien, 50, had been rumored for several days. Boston newspapers reported that she had alienated many members of Dukakis’ inner circle and had fallen short of expectations in dealing with the press.

The changes were the latest in a series of moves at the senior level of the Dukakis campaign, starting with the departure of campaign manager John Sasso two months ago. Sasso was forced to resign, along with political director Paul Tully, after the two were implicated in the production of a videotape that undermined the candidacy of Sen. Joseph R. Biden Jr. (D-Del.).

Ex-Washington Correspondent

Campaign manager Susan Estrich said Friday that O’Brien, a former Washington correspondent for Knight-Ridder newspapers, “has resigned to pursue her longtime career interest in writing.”

It was announced that Leslie Dach, the campaign’s communications director, “will assume responsibility for overseeing the press office and press contacts” and would direct the search for a new press secretary.

At the same time, the campaign also announced that Estrich had promoted Corrigan, 30, to a new position, director of campaign operations, with additional duties. He will work with Estrich and “assist her in managing day-to-day campaign activities,” a statement said.