Washington ? Mary Matalin, who was brought into the White House to provide inside-Washington savvy, announced Friday that she would leave as counselor to Vice President Dick Cheney but would continue as a consultant.

Officials said Matalin plans to play an active role in Bush’s re-election campaign and to accept lucrative speaking deals. Matalin has long wanted to spend more time with her daughters – Emma, 4, and Matty, 7 – who often are seen romping the West Wing’s halls or tagging along as their mother trudges out to the front lawn for television interviews.

Matalin will leave Dec. 31 and said she planned to follow “the Karen model.” Karen Hughes, who was Bush’s counselor, left the government payroll in July out of concern for her family but continues to advise the White House.