Mike Novick was the Chief of Staff for Senator (later President) David Palmer. Whereas Palmer tended to be bold and idealistic, Novick was more cautious and pragmatic. Nevertheless, Palmer still valued his counsel. When Palmer sought nomination as the Democratic presidential candidate, Novick stayed alongside the Senator as his Chief of Staff. He was fired from his position after Palmer learned that Novick had been involved in a well-intentioned, though misguided, attempt to remove Palmer from office following an unpopular decision. He was succeeded by Wayne Palmer.