WASHINGTON -- A top adviser to John McCain is taking on added duties in the Republican's presidential campaign.

Steve Schmidt, part of the Arizona senator's inner circle over the past six months, will oversee day-to-day political, strategy, coalitions, scheduling and communications operations from the campaign's northern Virginia headquarters.

He will report to Campaign Manager Rick Davis, who retains his post and will continue to focus on long-term planning, the vice presidential search, fundraising and the convention.

Davis told the staff of Schmidt's expanded role at a Wednesday meeting.

"This is a natural growth of the campaign and we think it's a good thing," said spokesman Brian Rogers.

Schmidt managed California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's re-election campaign, was a top aide in President Bush's re-election campaign in 2004 and worked for Vice President Dick Cheney in the White House.