Lis Smith bows out as Bill de Blasio spokeswoman

Lis Smith, who was New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio's chief spokeswoman during the transition between his election and inauguration, is moving on.

Smith had been officially on vacation since Christmastime revelations that she's dating former Gov. Eliot Spitzer, who resigned in 2008 because of a prostitution scandal. She was a spokeswoman for Spitzer's failed comeback bid as city comptroller last summer before joining de Blasio's general election campaign.

Smith, at 31 a veteran Democratic operative, left the de Blasio team Tuesday, aide Phil Walzak said Thursday. Smith confirmed she had left but declined further comment.

"Lis was contracted to work with our team through the transition. She did exemplary work and we are grateful for the support she provided. Now that the transition is concluding, she is returning to her work as a political consultant," Laura Santucci, de Blasio's chief of staff, said in a statement.

In a tweet Thursday morning, Smith said: "@Lis_Smith: Happy New Year. Here's to spending 2014 with the person (or ppl) you love."

Smith was expected to continue work as a consultant for the Democratic Governors Association and Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley, and to work out of both Washington and New York, a source close to her said.