Rendell press secretary to retire

HARRISBURG - Gov. Rendell's spokesman, Chuck Ardo, confirmed yesterday that he would retire once a state budget agreement has been reached, saying "the physical and emotional toll of the job" has caught up with him.

Ardo, 62, known for his strikingly honest and occasionally eye-popping quotes, said he informed the governor's office this week that he would leave once the budget crisis is resolved.

The almost four-week-old stalemate has compounded Ardo's workload. The press secretary's BlackBerry rarely stops buzzing, and it's not unusual for him to field phone calls from reporters - or the governor - into the wee hours.

Plus, he said, his 11-year-old grandson, Dylan, is coming to live with him and his wife, Nancy. Those who know Ardo can tell easily that Dylan is his priority and a source of joy in his life.

Ardo, who started working for Rendell during his first gubernatorial run, said he does not know what he will do after he leaves, but said it would be less strenuous.

There is one caveat: Ardo hasn't penned his letter of resignation yet.

And with few signs that a solution to the budget deadlock will emerge soon, he could find himself working well into the fall.