NATION IN BRIEF : WASHINGTON, D.C. : Bush’s Top Lobbyist Is Resigning Feb. 1

Frederick D. McClure, the chief White House lobbyist, said he is resigning to become director of a banking investment firm in his native Texas. The resignation gives Bush and his new chief of staff, Samuel K. Skinner, a key vacancy to fill as they prepare for election-year skirmishes with Congress over an economic growth package, crime, health care and other unresolved issues. McClure, 37, will step down Feb. 1 to become a director of a Dallas firm that specializes in advising government agencies on public financing. McClure is the only black on Bush’s senior staff.