Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's top staffer has officially transitioned to his campaign team for the November 8th special election.

Pat Clarey, who has served as chief of staff since the beginning of the Schwarzenegger administration, left today to join Team Arnold's campaign in a similar capacity. Her departure is the third high-profile staff shift, following communications director Rob Stutzman (yesterday) and finance director Tom Campbell (last week).

Taking over on what's described as an "interim" basis is legal affairs secretary Peter Siggins. A statement from the campaign says Clarey will return to her state job after the election.