Are you kidding me? Judd Gregg is pulling out as Commerce Secretary. So much for three Republicans in President Obama's cabinet. Read Gregg's statement below and then get my take once The Brody File staff revives me with smelling salts.
Here is the statement from Sen. Judd Gregg, R-N.H., on his decision Thursday to withdraw his nomination as Commerce secretary:
"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."
Here is the White House Statement from Press Secretary Robert Gibbs.
"Senator Gregg reached out to the President and offered his name for Secretary of Commerce. He was very clear throughout the interviewing process that despite past disagreements about policies, he would support, embrace, and move forward with the President's agenda.
Once it became clear after his nomination that Senator Gregg was not going to be supporting some of President Obama's key economic priorities, it became necessary for Senator Gregg and the Obama administration to part ways. We regret that he has had a change of heart".
This looks bad. Real bad. Gregg looks indecisive and now the Obama team has another distraction. Additionally, we are back to the vetting process. How concerned was team Obama that Gregg would jump ship? Did they factor that in at all? Now they lose a Republican so that is one less notch in the bi-partanship belt. Plus this whole ordeal highlights major differences between Obama's agenda and Republicans. Ouch.