Erroll Southers, President Obama's pick to head the Transportation Security Administration, withdrew today, claiming his nomination had become a lightning rod for those with a political agenda.
The decision was a blow for a White House already under fire by critics for its handling of the attempted Christmas bombing of an American airline.
Southers' nomination had been held up by Republican Sen. Jim DeMint who expressed concern Southers would attempt to unionize TSA security agents.
In an e-mail to friends and colleagues, Southers stated, "It is unfortunate that we are residing in such contentious political times, that exceptional, 'apolitical' candidates have to seriously consider their willingness to participate in public service."
In Senate hearings, Southers had avoided giving a "yes" or "no" answer over whether he would unionize airport security workers. Unions across the U.S., however, have been lobbying hard for Southers' confirmation.
Critics charge unionizing airport security would impose rules on union workers that could impede national security efforts in combating terrorist threats. READ MORE...
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