US President Barack Obama’s trouble filling key cabinet posts continued with the announcement that his latest choice for commerce secretary had dropped out.
Republican Judd Gregg withdrew his nomination citing “irresolvable conflicts” with the White House on issues including the near-800 billion US dollar stimulus package and a politically-sensitive census due to take place next year.
It is the fourth withdrawal of a nominee — and the second of a would-be commerce secretary — to affect the nascent Obama administration.
Announcing his decision, Mr Gregg — one of three Republicans who were to be drafted into the cabinet — said: “We are functioning from a different set of views on many critical items of policy.”
He added: “I have found that on issues such as the stimulus package and the census, there are irresolvable conflicts for me.
“Obviously the president requires a team that is fully supportive of his initiatives.”
The 61-year-old New Hampshire senator was Mr Obama’s second choice for the post of commerce secretary.
His first, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson decided to step away from the post last month amid questions over a state contract given to one of his political donors.
Further questions over Mr Obama’s vetting process for nominees were raised last week when two other key aides were forced to withdraw.
Tom Daschle and Nancy Killefer withdrew from the posts of health secretary and chief performance officer respectively.
Both stepped down following revelations of personal tax failings, an issue that has also dogged Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner.
Speaking after Mr Daschle and Ms Killefer’s withdrawal, Mr Obama said he had “screwed up”.
In a round of TV interviews at the time he added: “I’m frustrated with myself, with our team.”
PA