WASHINGTON, Dec. 3 -- Sen. Ted Budd issued the following op-ed:

U.S. Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.) released the following statement announcing the upcoming departure of his Chief of Staff Tucker Knott.

"Tucker Knott is a true son of North Carolina, and I am grateful for his many years of faithful service in my office, to our State, and to the Congress. For more than a decade, Tucker has provided invaluable advice to Representatives and Senators, particularly within the North Carolina Congressional Delegation. His strong moral compass, political instincts, and personal relationships on and off the hill were critical to the success of our office over the last three years. Tucker has grown to be a close friend, and I know his positive impact wil...