In his announcement, Nutt said he had decided to pursue his passion for politics and campaigns and would become managing partner in the new Harrisburg office of BrabenderCox, a political-consulting firm. The firm created media for Corbett's campaign.
Nutt said he would continue to be Corbett's political adviser and chief strategist.
"I'm not going anywhere. I will just have a different address outside the Capitol," Nutt said.
But the sudden change of heart from a high-level appointee was a bump in the road to inauguration for the incoming governor, who has been criticized for some of his other cabinet choices.
Corbett spokesman Kevin Harley said there was nothing embarrassing about Nutt's decision to forgo the job and pointed out that Nutt would continue to have a close working relationship with the governor-elect.
"I think it's an opportunity that presented itself for Brian and that it is good for him professionally, but will also benefit Tom Corbett," Harley said. "I think that Brian will be able to serve the governor-elect more effectively as a political strategist as opposed to his chief of staff."
As of yesterday, Corbett had not chosen a replacement for Nutt.
Pollster and political analyst G. Terry Madonna said he did not believe Nutt's departure would register with voters or would damage the Corbett team's credibility.
"Most people aren't paying a lot of attention to the process of how the cabinet is being selected," he said. "I look at the final package once it's done. Is it a strong cabinet? That's what people care about."
Whomever Corbett ends up choosing for the job, said Madonna, will be someone to whom he is close.
