Obama’s loss of top economic adviser could set stage for postelection changes

Obama’s top economic adviser leaving White House

WASHINGTON — The departure of President Barack Obama’s top economic adviser at the end of the year could provide the White House with an opportunity to revamp its economic team after the November elections, when voters are expected to take out their anxieties on Democrats.

The White House says Lawrence Summers will leave the administration at the end of the year to return to Harvard University. News of his departure comes amid deep concern over the sluggish pace of the recovery, as well as criticism of Obama’s economic policy team.

Two other members of that team already have departed: budget director Peter Orszag (OHR’-zag) and Christina Romer (ROH’-mur), chief of the Council of Economic Advisers. A fourth top economic adviser, Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner (GYT’-nur), remains.