Spring Break
Gregg withdraws as commerce secretary nominee
Liz Sidoti and David Espo The Associated Press
Issue date: 2/13/09 Section: News
|
Gregg cited "irresolvable conflicts" with Obama's policies, specifically mentioning the $790 billion economic stimulus bill and 2010 census in a statement released without warning by his Senate office.
Later, at a news conference in the Capitol, he sounded more contrite.
"The president asked me to do it," he said of the job offer. "I said, yes. That was my mistake."
Obama offered a somewhat different account from Gregg.
"It comes as something of a surprise, because the truth, you know, Mr. Gregg approached us with interest and seemed enthusiastic," Obama said in an interview with the Springfield (Ill.) Journal-Register.
Later, he told reporters traveling with him on Air Force One that he was glad Gregg "searched his heart" and changed course now before the Senate confirmed him to the Cabinet post. He also said Gregg's withdrawal won't deter him from working with Republicans and trying to change the partisan ways of Washington.
"Clearly he was just having second thoughts about leaving the Senate, a place where he's thrived," Obama added.
The unexpected withdrawal came just three weeks into Obama's presidency and on the heels of several other Cabinet troubles. The new president is in the midst of expending political capital in Washington - and around the country - for his economic package and is seeking to move forward with an ambitious agenda in the midst of an economic recession while the country continues to face threats abroad.
Be the first to comment on this story