Senator Gregg withdraws as Obama commerce pick

Sen Judd Gregg (R-NH) said on Thursday he was withdrawing as President Barack Obama's nominee to be Commerce secretary because of political differences. He said he pulled out because of disagreements with the President over issues including the economic stimulus package and the country's census, which the Commerce Department would be responsible for implementing. In a news conference, Gregg apologized for a decision he said he realized was "unfair in many ways." "I just realized it wouldn't be a good fit," Sen Gregg said, adding that it "would be a bigger mistake" to stay. "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," said White House spokesman Robert Gibbs. Gregg's withdrawal could prompt Obama to reconsider Silicon Valley executive John Thompson to head the commerce department.