FLORIDA: Top Aide To Gov. Rick Scott Resigns In Corruption Scandal

Florida Gov. Rick Scott's chief of staff has resigned amid accusations that he "steered" major state contracts to his personal friends.

Scott MacNamara, 59, did not elaborate on that media attention, saying only that he was stepping down six months earlier than planned. The outgoing chief of staff had drawn public scrutiny for alleged deal making and influence peddling under Scott, including his purported steering of at least two no-bid contracts to acquaintances or partners of close friends. MacNamara has denied any wrongdoing in his work under Scott. Scott, a Republican and former healthcare executive, accepted MacNamara's resignation. Scott thanked MacNamara in a statement for his service since he took the job 10 months ago. "I believe Steve has had a tremendous impact," said Scott, whose supporters include the conservative Tea Party movement.

RELATED: Gov. Scott endured similar attention when it was revealed that his wife was an owner of the company that the state planned to use to drug test welfare recipients.