Article: Karen Hughes leaving White House.(Knight Ridder Newspapers)

WASHINGTON _ White House counselor Karen Hughes, one of President Bush's closest confidantes and arguably the most powerful woman in government, announced Tuesday that she is leaving her West Wing job to return to Texas.

Declaring herself "homesick," Hughes became the first member of Bush's inner circle to resign. She is one of a handful of top White House aides who knew Bush before he gained national prominence, and she is unusually close to and trusted by the president.

The former Texas television reporter wields enormous influence over White House policy and Bush's public image. Her departure this summer will leave him without the day-to-day presence ...

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