Mitt Romney dismissed the man many credit for the presidential candidate's recently sharpened debating skills.
Brett O'Donnell was not offered a formal role with the Romney campaign as some expected he would be given the aid he provided the former governor during the Florida primary. Reports suggest the separation involves internal tensions over O'Donnell receiving too much credit for the candidate's winning performance in the polls.
O'Donnell summed up his contribution to the campaign following a debate in Tampa, FL:
"[Romney] needed to hone his attacks, go right at him (Gingrich)," O'Donnell said. "He needed to focus his arguments."
As O'Donnell's media presence steadily rose, Romney advisers become concerned and even proactively emailed reporters to downplay his role in the campaign.
The debate coach did not respond to a PRWeek request for comment.