President Barack Obama, right, greets Greg Craig, left, his choice for White House counsel, as he me
J. Scott Applewhite/AP

Craig and the president back in January.

As the Associated Press said earlier, White House Counsel Greg Craig has been "dogged by talk that President Obama's promise to close the controversial Guantanamo Bay military prison by January went awry under Craig's leadership."

The White House just confirmed that Craig is leaving. Here's a statement just sent to reporters:

 

The White House today announced today that White House Counsel Greg Craig will return to private practice and Bob Bauer will serve as White House Counsel.

"Greg Craig is a close friend and trusted advisor who tackled many tough challenges as White House Counsel," said President Obama. "Because of Greg's leadership, we have confirmed the first Latina justice on the Supreme Court, set the toughest ethics standards for any administration in history, and ensured that we are keeping the nation secure in a manner that is consistent with our laws and our values. I'm indebted to Greg not only for leading the Counsel's office but for his many decades of service to this country as well. He has been a huge asset in the White House, and he will be missed. I will continue to call on him for advice in the years ahead."

Bauer is currently a partner at Perkins Coie. He will begin serving as White House Counsel by the end of this year.

"Bob has served as a trusted counselor for many years to many elected officials and is known as a tough and widely respected advocate," said President Obama. "Bob is well-positioned to lead the Counsel's office as it addresses a wide variety of responsibilities, including managing the large amount of litigation the administration inherited, identifying judicial nominees for the federal courts, and assuring that White House officials continue to be held to the highest legal and ethical standards."

In a resignation letter, also released by the White House, Craig tells the president that:

"It has been an honor to work for you, and I will always be grateful to you for giving me the chance." ...

"... It has been a busy first year, and I feel very lucky to have been part of it."