Conservative icon David Koch leaving business, politics

NEW YORK — Billionaire conservative icon David Koch is stepping down from the Koch brothers’ network of business and political activities.

The 78-year-old New York resident is suffering from deteriorating health, according to a letter from older brother Charles Koch sent to company officials Tuesday.

Charles Koch wrote: “We are deeply saddened by this, as we miss David’s insightful questions and his many contributions to Koch Industries.”

David Koch is leaving his roles as executive vice-president and board member for Koch Industries and chairman of the board for the Americans For Prosperity Foundation, the charity related to Koch brothers’ primary political organization.