Republican Sen. Judd Gregg withdrew his nomination to be President Obama's commerce secretary on Thursday, citing "irresolvable conflicts" over issues like the economic stimulus package and the Census. In doing so, the New Hampshire senator became the first Cabinet-level nominee to withdraw his name in protest.
"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," Gregg said in a written statement.
Gregg, who was first elected to the Senate in 1999, also says he doesn't intend to run again in 2010. He didn't give specifics on why he didn't plan to seek another term, saying to reporters Thursday, "Sometimes, there's other things to do in life."
New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson withdrew his name for the same position of commerce secretary in January amid an ethics investigation in his state. And Tom Daschle withdrew his name for health and human services secretary over criticism about his failure to pay taxes on unreported income.
Gregg, in a written statement, said he's withdrawing his name because his and Obama's policy views are too different.
"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," he said. "Obviously the president requires a team that is fully supportive of all his initiatives."
In referencing the stimulus, Gregg, known as a fiscal conservative, made clear his distaste for the package that his fellow Republicans say is filled with wasteful spending.
Only three Republican senators have supported the spending and tax-cut plan. They were the lone members of their party who pushed a compromise bill expected to cost $789 billion and be on the president's desk in a matter of days. - FOX News
Although it is totally understandable for him to withdraw, it now takes away a valuable voice during the Census Takeover by President Obama. He would have been a voice from the opposite side to keep the Obama Administration in check or at the very least blow the whistle when they go out of bounds. It is pretty clear based on remarks from Obama and members of the Democratic side, the President intends on taking control of the Census and using it for political gain. Illinois Politics again showing through in the White House.
This also goes to show the lack of Bipartisanship that really exists within the White House.
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