Judd Gregg withdraws nomination; statement added
More to come.
Reasons cited were Gregg’s unhappiness with the stimulus and the Census Bureau power grab by the White House.
Here’s the statement:
Senator Gregg Statement on His Withdrawal for Consideration of U.S. Commerce Secretary
Sen. Gregg stated, “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.”
Meantime, President Obama is on the TV right now praising Transportation Secy nominee Ray LaHood as a “Republican he loves.”
***
Gregg deserves praise for standing on principle, but I wouldn’t get carried away and promote him for a presidential run. Remember: He supported TARP I and the release of its second tranche. Many believe his withdrawal was an act of courage. But what choice did he have but to resign in the wake of public humiliation over the Census power grab?
See what others have said
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Trackbacks
- Obama Commerce Secretary Nominee Judd Gregg Withdraws « Peace and Freedom Global Future
- A Small Corner of Sanity - An Online Oasis for Conservative Thought
- Judd Gregg Withdraws Commerce Secretary Nomination | The American Pundit
- Hot Air » Blog Archive » Breaking: Gregg withdraws at Commerce
- Judd Gregg’s Change
- Clueless in DC: Another B. Hussein Obama cabinet appointment drops out - this time it has nothing to do with failure to pay taxes, or pay to play scandals either! | Fire Andrea Mitchell!
- Gregg Withdraws From Commerce Nomination - scipio62’s blog - RedState
- Judd Gregg withdraws nomination; statement added — But As For Me
- Senator Judd Gregg Withdraws Nomination for Secretary of Commerce–Control of 2010 Census and Stimulus Packages The Issues! « Pronk Palisades
- MishMashZone » Gregg Withdraws From Commerce Secy-Doesn’t Like Spendulus
- Republicans Helping Obama Reduced By One: On Linclon’s Birthday, Turncoats Wobbly? « Peace and Freedom Global Future
- Judd Gregg withdraws from Commerce Sec nomination « Wellsy’s World
- scrupples | Blatherings Blog
- Republican Gregg Withdraws - Video | Radio Vice Online
- Health Care BS - OBAMA THE TRANSCENDANT
- Jules Crittenden » EGreggiousness
- Bent Notes » Blog Archive » He saw where Reasonable Gentleman Syndrome gets a Pub
- Obama and Congress are handcuffed together with the porkulus package « Riggword Weblog
- Judd Gregg To Remain A Senator «
- Commerce « The Tiger in DC
- Change We Can Really Believe In … Judd Gregg Withdraws Nomination as Commerce Secretary | Scared Monkeys
- Los hechos son obstinados (la dimisión de Gregg, otro jarro de agua fría para Obama) « Sarah Palin en Español
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Good on him!!!
Gregg said this:
Did he also “forget” to pay his taxes ?
Ya, but he considered it. No self respecting R should even think about. Only good response is Hell NO.
The time to organize was months ago! Conservatives should be doing what moveon.org is doing only with our message. We need a conservative version of George Soros and we all need to donate ourselves to take our country back peacefully. Otherwise at this point, the only way with be with weapons, and only then if we do it before hussein has time to organize HIS National Security.
And also there should be plenty of conservatives willing to serve in that so if push comes to shove you can help from within!
Melting phone lines and stamping money is an absurd way of protesting at this stage of the game.
WHAT are we waiting for????
Michelle – People like you and Ann Coulter have wide enough audiences to recruit for something like a conservative moveon.org. We need to flood the airwaves, TV and Cable. Expose these crooks and propose better plans.
60 second spots. Begin with Schumer’s oily dismissal of the chattering classes. Then on to Pelosi’s ‘no earmarks. Then a list visually and verbally of the most egregious earmarks and their costs. Then Reid’s explanation for why they aren’t calling them earmarks. Then a comment pulling that together in a pithy statement. Then say the projected amount you, your children and their children will have to pay. And end with the fact there is a better solution that is all job-creation and no pork or earmarks, but Reid and Pelosi won’t allow it. Then end with the phone number to the Capitol, Schumer’s, Reid and pelosi’s offices.
Good. This is going to be the Titanic of administrations before it is all over with. I would not go down with this ship.
He also abstained from the Senate vote, didn’t he?
Sorry to be posting these on a lot of threads, but I really believe that we need to act on this. We’re already too late for this porkulous gigantus. But if there is any hope at all, that’s the tact we need to take.
Wow. The moderate squish grew a pair. Props man.
Welcome back Senator Gregg!
It’s strange to me that so few of the wealthy people in this country will back conservatism. At the same time the left has no shortage of sugar-daddies. This country is moving left because the rich want it to.
His true ethics are showing! Way to go Senator Gregg. However, this scares me. Looks as if the Executive Branch is becoming the ruling branch. The census is exactly how the democrats will maintain their power for a generation. Rahm will establish the “fuzzy math” that Pompterbama wants established that will only benefit the welfare class. We need to sue and get this to the Supreme court as soon as possible.
I really wonder if the democrats realize that we have a constitution. Hell the swear on a bible to uphold it. All they’re doing is stomping on it and setting it ablaze. Saul Alinski is having a blast watching this from his grave.
Yes, I’d be happy to donate to a Conservative PAC with people like MM and Mark Levin on the board, rather than to the Republican Party.
Conservatives and Independents need to repudiate this Marxist coup and all the minions associated with it. Come the 2010 mid-terms, the people need to stamp out this treachery once and for all. Constitutional amendments limiting Leftist/Communist adventurism (fair tax, balanced budget) would be a nice legislative start – since the present construct has been totally corrupted.
Thanks to Gregg but he should never have tried to dance with the Devil.
On February 12th, 2009 at 4:28 pm, flenser said:
We need a conservative version of George Soros and we all need to donate ourselves to take our country back peacefully.
It’s strange to me that so few of the wealthy people in this country will back conservatism. At the same time the left has no shortage of sugar-daddies. This country is moving left because the rich want it to.
—————————————
There must be some wealthy people who “lean right”. If they want to be discreet so as not to be ostracized by their leftist friends, so be it.
I would gladly be the right’s “sugar mama”, if I could. It’s true, the playing field needs to be evened out when it comes to financial backing.
Just saw the headlines on Drudge. Read between the lines: He didn’t cave in to the Obamamamamama Glow that is all warm and fuzzy and tingly (a feeling that runs up the leg, I suppose). They didn’t trust him with the Census, which is what that position is supposed to be about, and which they stated that they just didn’t think it would be handled correctly.
A small step in the right direction, but the tide has to be stemmed, and one small ripple can lead to others, larger and larger, until a Conservative Tsunami flows back onto this power-grubbing gubmint.
I shall step down from my soap box now.
Good to tell Obama to shove it. Maybe now he can get back in the Senate and vote with conservatives.
Have you looked at the picture on Drudge?
Obama has dead eyes.
Shelly is always angry.
This was not “reaching across the aisle”. This was a political play to insure dems’ power.
Gregg finally got over Barry’s Jedi Knight powers and came to his senses.
Good! I can’t figure out why any self-respecting Republican would want to be involved with this Communist administration…
I hope Obama FAILS! at EVERYTHING! I hope he goes on tv like LBJ and says that he will not run for, not accept, the nomination for President in 2012…
I think he got a bad taste in his mouth from sucking up to the ONE, (heh heh) and saw that they would treat him like chattel.
I’m just waiting for Arlen Spector to back down on his support of porkulus. I expect Voinovich to replace him. If not, it will again be on McCain’s lap. If it comes to that, I expect McCain to cave once again. That’s how it works with his “gangs”. You release just enough of these guys from the party loyalty obligations to assure the Democrats victory.
Best news of the week.
Still not sure why he couldn’t be bothered to add his vote against the stimulus, but I guess growing ‘em late is better than never. Hopefully its a sign that people inside the beltway are starting to realize this administration will be a failure.
I agree and have said so here before.
Pasadena Phil…
I don’t know if I see that happening. My money’s on something more along the line of Specter switching parties to “Independent” sometime late this year when it becomes apparent that he’d lose a primary in 2010.
I am confused. He likes and respects Obama even though he has now figured out that Obama is an out-and-out COMMUNIST!
I mean he is obviously doing the right thing by declining the appointment. But, why would he EVER have considered it in the first place?
RINOs are funny animals. Do you think his move will have any influence on the other sell-out RINOs in the Senate and convince them to change their vote on the “Euthanasia Act of 2009?”
Obambi must be thinking, “This is gonna leave a mark!”
Yes, Gregg abstained. If he really has grown a pair, then maybe he will vote against porkulus in the senate this time. If that happens, then only one of the RHINOs in the senate would have to switch votes ( or a democrat) in order to vote down the bill. Am I wrong?
Good for Gregg; better late than never! Maybe the One will nominate one of the Gang of 3 now, or maybe just another tax-challenged Dem.
Two things:
1 – The Constitution puts the census under the Legislative Branch, not the Executive.
2 – That Obama would seize the census is just a play from his community organizing days.
Wow….. I think Obama’s not too far away from going crazy. Every day he wakes up thinking, “What have I gotten myself into…”
I’m really starting to worry for Professor BaMarx Hussein Obama.
Dear judd,
Glad you realized you were elected to do a specific job. I hope you have the grace to support a real GOP candidate in primary in 2010 as you sir need to leave “public service”. In the meantime
I fully expect you to vote for America and not for the commie you were fully prepared to until you leave office. God Bless,Barbara
Damn, it’s nice to see anybody take action in opposition to the National Delirium!
The rat’s are deserting the ship.
Sadly, I think so. I believe abstaining counts as a ‘no’ vote.
Bout time he came to his senses. The Dems were just trying to steal his seat in 2010…..
It’s time for Torches and Pitchforks…..
https://members.premiereinteractive.com/owsimg/glennbeck/pages/28585/41410_34370a.htm
Well, perhaps the fact that he vowed to abstain from all votes to avoid any potential conflicts of interest had something to do with it?
flenser said:
Exactly, or current politicians who have their own agendas! It needs to be by the people, who can then guide the politicians instead of the other way around. That’s how it’s worked for the Dems.
They only need 51 to pass it. They needed 61 to end the discussion, and that’s a done deal.
Hold on a sec…how often does he ‘love’ him? Does he pay him out of his own pocket? Is it ever charged to the taxpayer?? Is he off the clock when he ‘loves’?
at the risk of being anal and I make many a typo myself but its RINO not RHINO
So, will he demand they read the bill in it’s entirety before the vote ? It only takes one senator.
Why would he even consider it in the 1st place?!?!
OT: Black rapper beats on girl-friend….Dog bites man…Film at 11.
Did Hillary obstain from all votes prior to being sworn in? I dont recall
and too lazy to look up
jeff that OT news is from Sunday
Sen. Gregg will learn soon enough that dissent is no longer patriotic. He better watch his back.
Brian Roastbeef: you might be right. Spector’s are reportedly fearing 2010 already. I don’t see how switching to independent helps him get re-elected though other than keeping his name on the final ballot should he lose the GOP primary. He was barely re-elected last time because of the sympathy vote for his cancer battle and because Bush campaigned for him.
I am sensing that fear is setting in with even the Dem supporters of porkulus. Why else would Obama be on the hustings? There aren’t enough GOP votes to kill it as it is unless a few Dems have already voiced dismay privately and laid out certain conditions that might force them to vote against it… like phones melting down for instance.
The census being put under the watchful eye of Rahm must have been too much even for him.
Paul,
agree!! he will get no welcome back wo hoo crap from me. Don’t run in 2010 and support a REAL GOP in primary.
Virg,
everyone and their brother being sent overseas but Hillary, wonder how happy she is with her title?
Well, he did the right thing for the right reasons this time, but he might have a long way to go for some of us regarding his earlier slip-ups… I’ll wait and see how he does in the future.
…A conditional kudos is warranted in the meanwhile.
Re:
The only thing is, that the administration is roughly analogous to the crew of the ship, we are the mere (captive?) passengers. The crew screwed up and mostly passengers paid the price.
I applaud Senator Gregg’s stand on this.
On the other hand it would have been priceless for him to have been confirmed and then immediately filed suit against Obama over control of the census.
What a first day on the job that would have been.
OT -GOP Threatens Legal Action Against Obama for Plan to Oversee 2010 Census
has a cabinet member ever sued the POTUS over duties? am not aware they have such legal standing.
Miss what good is a threat?
DO ITTTTTTTTTTTTTTT
Congratulations Gregg,
Looks like party over country agian from the right – don’t let the door hit ya on the way out.
gee – I see school just let out on the west cost.
Once again dissent is now unpatriotic..
Only people would do everything exactly the way obama wants are “bipartisan”.
Yours was better Misscheryl.
You have got to be kidding me! He has some principles (late in coming, I know) but at least he is standing up instead of lying down and getting steam-rollered.
Puh-lease!
Is this true? Sure hope so. Now take legal action and get his citizenship established. Then take legal action and make this GTA go away – or at the very least have it read on the floor so the liberals can be embarrassed (yeah, right).
Ilovemycountry, why do you insist on putting the DNCs power above the good of the country?
There’s the understatement of the day.
No offense to Sen. Gregg, but he should have known that his policies and those of Obama were incompatible at least a year ago.
Next question – Will Gregg now vote against porkulus?
Follow-up question – Will voters, next time Gregg asks for their vote, respond, “No”? They should. Anyone who works for Obama deserves to be kicked out of office.
On February 12th, 2009 at 5:08 pm, sonofdy said:
Ilovemycountry, why do you insist on putting the DNCs power above the good of the country?
————————————–
I’ve said it before; ILMC is nothing but a swoop and poop artist. Don’t bother trying to engage in logical discussion. ILMC has no logical arguments, only insults and generalizations.
The un-Constitutional un-Approved, un-Accountable czars run things. This is exactly whet Hugo Chavez does in Venezuela. That way the public directs their ire at someone who can do nothing about it, while those pulling the strings are standing in the shadows.
Watch the video “The Hugo Chavez Show”, sounds and looks alot like the Obama-Oprah Shows currently ruining. Video is online at Frontline.
Perfect!
I enjoy all of your comments so much – this is the first group of people I’ve ever seen who are never wrong.
Even when your guy says the republicans should operate like the taliban “Pete Sessions praises the brutal Taliban citing them as a role model for Congressional Republicans.”
I guess Gregg was showing his Taliban/Republican credentials.
goodie
ILMC:
Even when your guy says the republicans should operate like the
talibanthe DNC for the last 8 years.Fixed it for you.
Ilovemycountry: You are one of the most partisan people here. You would gladly have one party rule, which is completely unamerican not matter which party it is. This is how you get dictatorships.
On February 12th, 2009 at 5:12 pm, Ilovemycountry said:
I enjoy all of your comments so much
————————————-
Too bad . . . what would we have to do to get you to stop posting here?
Miss,
can you provide a link please to GOP statement on census? I see nothing at http://www.GOP.org.. thank you in advance.
Why, thank you.
Son,
How is the kickboxer and Mom doing?
Here it is:
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/first100days/2009/02/12/gop-threatens-legal-action-obama-plan-oversee-census/
Fine, tired, with endless stuffy nose, but fine. Its hard on her with the 2 little ones battling for room in there.
Typical Republican:
According to MSNBC’s John Yang, all indications are that Judd Gregg didn’t even tell the White House that he had decided to withdraw his name from consideration for the cabinet before announcing it publicly.
Gregg also released his statement just as President Obama was about to speak at the Caterpillar plant in Peoria, Illinois. (Caterpillar has said that as soon as the stimulus is signed into law, it can begin rehiring laid-off workers.)
All this strongly suggests that Gregg’s move was calculated partisan politics, and it underscores this fundamental truth of modern politics: the Republican Party can not, and will not, put partisan politics aside for the good of the country.
With near unanimity, they are utterly incapable of compromise.
He’s a dumb as you people _ was wondering who would send these people to govern – Obama tried and look at how Gregg responded.
Son,
perhaps MM will open registration again and they can chat with us, give her some respite
nice attempt at being relevant.
Ilovemycountry:
Typical democrat.
Do as I say or you are a partisan hack. Only by agreeing 100% with democrats will you get the label “bipartisan”. No conservative ideas are ever to be allowed.
This is a huge problem for Obama. He now has to fine some Democrat without tax trouble to fill this spot in his Cabinet.
SWEEEEEEEET!
UH OH……..do NOT cross The Chosen One ie: THE ONE! THE OBAMUNNIST!
Narcissistic rage will be coming your way Mr Gregg! The Chicago Thugster World President has many ways to pay you back.
Having said this…..thank you poking him in the eye.
You’re grasping at straws but since you brought up Taliban tactics, I would suggest Ms. Pelosi and Mr. Reid are demonstrating their eager discipleship quite well in actual practice – far better than any conservative hyperbolic jesting.
And by the way, change your stupid handle, you don’t love your country. If you did, you would stand against the present Marxists in power. Their goal is to dismantle your country.
You know, when the dems continuely blame everything on the GOP dispite having total control, wont the people start to wonder after a while why they put such worthless people into power????
How about a source. There is no way that they can start rehiring “as soon as the stimulus is signed into law”. If that was the case they did not need to lay off as many as they did if any. The money does not start flowing the second the bill is signed.
Don’t worry about making a simple spelling mistake while calling others dumb and looking like an idiot.
YA BABY!!! We need about 200 million more just like him!