APPOINTMENTS

Thursday, February 12, 2009 4:32 PM

Gregg Withdraws As Commerce Nominee

Updated at 5:15 p.m. on Feb. 12

Sen. Judd Gregg, R-N.H., this afternoon became President Obama's second Commerce secretary nominee to withdraw his name from consideration, citing differences over the stimulus package and the administration of the census. Gregg had been Obama's third Republican Cabinet nominee.

In a statement, Gregg thanked Obama and praised his leadership. "I especially admire his willingness to reach across the aisle," Gregg said.

"However," the statement continued, "it has become apparent during this process that this will not work for me as I have found that on issues such as the stimulus package and the census there are irresolvable conflicts for me. Prior to accepting this post, we had discussed these and other potential differences, but unfortunately we did not adequately focus on these concerns. We are functioning from a different set of views on many critical items of policy."

The administration has drawn fire from Republicans over its decision to move the Census Bureau, traditionally part of the Commerce Department, under White House control. The move was reportedly (subscription) a response to criticism from black and Latino advocacy groups over the nomination of Gregg, who they believe obstructed efforts to fully count minorities in the previous census. House Republicans today threatened legal action (subscription) over the administration's move.

Of course, some differences between Obama and Gregg were apparent from the beginning. "Clearly, Judd and I don't agree on every issue," Obama said when the nomination was announced on Feb. 3, "most notably who should have won the election."

Obama's original choice for the job, New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, withdrew in January over pay-to-play allegations.

Read Gregg's full statement after the jump.

Senator Gregg Statement on His Withdrawal from Consideration of U.S. Commerce Secretary
February 12, 2009

Sen. Gregg stated, "I want to thank the President for nominating me to serve in his Cabinet as Secretary of Commerce. This was a great honor, and I had felt that I could bring some views and ideas that would assist him in governing during this difficult time. I especially admire his willingness to reach across the aisle.

"However, it has become apparent during this process that this will not work for me as I have found that on issues such as the stimulus package and the Census there are irresolvable conflicts for me. Prior to accepting this post, we had discussed these and other potential differences, but unfortunately we did not adequately focus on these concerns. We are functioning from a different set of views on many critical items of policy.

"Obviously the President requires a team that is fully supportive of all his initiatives.

"I greatly admire President Obama and know our country will benefit from his leadership, but at this time I must withdraw my name from consideration for this position.

"As we move forward, I expect there will be many issues and initiatives where I can and will work to assure the success of the President's proposals. This will certainly be a goal of mine.

"Kathy and I also want to specifically thank Governor Lynch and Bonnie Newman for their friendship and assistance during this period. In addition we wish to thank all the people, especially in New Hampshire, who have been so kind and generous in their supportive comments.

"As a further matter of clarification, nothing about the vetting process played any role in this decision. I will continue to represent the people of New Hampshire in the United States Senate."