Daschle Withdraws his Name for Secretary of HHS

Posted by Joe Arite on February 3rd, 2009
Former Senator Tom Daschle

Former Senator Tom Daschle

Former Senator Tom Daschle, President Obama’s pick for Secretary of Health and Human Services, formally withdrew his name from consideration today.

“This morning Tom Daschle asked me to withdraw his nomination for Secretary of Health and Human Services. I accept his decision with sadness and regret,” President Obama said.

Daschle cited that his failure to pay over $100,000 in income taxes would pose as a “distraction.”

“I have just informed the President that I am withdrawing my name from consideration for Secretary of Health and Human Services,” said Daschle. “If 30 years of exposure to the challenges inherent in our system has taught me anything, it has taught me that this work will require a leader who can operate with the full faith of Congress and the American people, and without distraction….Right now, I am not that leader, and will not be a distraction.”

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