A Republican strategist, who was expected to help lead Governor Bruce Rauner with his 2018 re-election, leaves his position. This is just days after Rauner replaced some of his top employees with staff from a conservative think tank. Mike Zolnierowicz was an architect for Rauner in his 2014 campaign. XPS Professional Services made the announcement on Friday that Zolnierowicz is leaving that lose to help lead XPS and their political operation. Last week, Rauner overhauled his staff, after having his veto overridden by legislation for a budget. He has been hiring leaders with the Illinois Policy Institute, to high-level positions, including chief-of-staff. A spokeswoman for Rauner and his campaign did not immediately respond to a comment. A spokeswoman for Rauner’s Office, Eleni Demertzis also resigned from her position on Friday.