Julie Eckstein resigned earlier this week as director of the department.

Brain Hauswirth, a spokesman for the Governor, says Eckstein left to pursue other opportunities.

He says the Governor did not ask for her resignation.

Hauswirth also says Blunt did not appoint his general counsel Jane Drummond as the department's new director  due to the lawsuit.

The governor's spokesman says Drummond was chosen because of her background in Health Law.

Hauswirth says Henry Herschel has been appointed as the Governor's new general counsel.

From the state Capitol, I'm Beverly Rivera.