Argentine transportation secretary 2nd to quit following election defeat of ruling party

Argentine transportation secretary resigns

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Argentina’s transportation secretary has become the second Cabinet member to quit since President Cristina Fernandez’s party suffered a crushing defeat in congressional elections.

Transportation Secretary Ricardo Jaime had been one of the most influential members of Fernandez’s administration, and also worked in the administration of Fernandez’s husband, former President Nestor Kirchner.

The state news agency Telam on Wednesday quoted Jaime as saying that he left for personal reasons.

On Monday, Graciela Ocana resigned as Health Ministry secretary.

In Sunday’s elections, Kirchner lost a bid for a seat from Buenos Aires province, while allies of the first couple lost key races in the city of Buenos Aires and two provinces.