Mr Obama also bade farewell on Friday to his election campaign manager, David Plouffe.

BBC: Barack Obama names Denis McDonough as chief of staff

As if to underline that a new election is starting, Mr Serra sacked his campaign manager.

ECONOMIST: Brazil's presidential election

Mervyn Barrett withdrew from the election in Lincolnshire, after the resignation of the campaign manager.

BBC: Mervyn Barrett contacts police over PCC campaign manager

But there are references to her as "Co-Conspirator 1, " a former consultant and later the manager of Jackson's re-election campaign.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

"Secretary Chao and her family are shining examples of the American dream: salt-of-the-earth folks who escaped oppression, came here with nothing, joined our great melting pot, worked exceptionally hard to build a thriving business, and then dedicated so much of their lives to giving back, " said Jesse Benton, manager of McConnell's re-election campaign.

NPR: McConnell Takes On Group For Criticizing Wife