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Days after being the top vote-getter in Tuesday's primary election for Portland mayor, Charlie Hales has fired six of his seven-member campaign staff.

Jessica Moskovitz, Hales' now former campaign manager, said the dismissal came as a shock Friday morning to her and five other staffers released. Only Hales' consultant, Liz Kaufman, was retained.

"It was Charlie's decision," said Moskovitz. "The way he put it, he just felt the need to recast the play as he heads onto the next stage.

"It's his campaign and he can do what he wants, but I'm proud of the work done by myself and the team and I wish him the best of luck."

She added that she is unsure what she will do next.

Another released staff member said Hales met with each individual and informed them they would be welcome to reapply for positions on the campaign.

Calls from The Oregonian to Hales and Kaufman were not immediately returned on Friday.

The former Portland city commissioner will face state Rep. Jefferson Smith in a November run-off for mayor. Hales, 56, received 37 percent of the vote on Tuesday.

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