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?
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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
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- 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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Maybe he simply did not care to be associated with what appear to be illegal acts (re: Rahm Emmanuel and his attempt at circumventing the Constitutional requirement over the administration of the US Bureau of the Census)?
Miss,
Thanks no wonder not on http://www.GOP.org site coming from congress, how refreshing!
Pasadena Phil #45
If Specter loses a primary, he doesn’t get reelected. If he jumps parties, makes a deal with the Dems so they don’t run anybody hard on the left, then he stands something of a chance of winning as Lieberman did a couple of years back. Hopefully whatever Specter does bites him in the rear, but I’m just saying I wouldn’t be surprised.
I liked this line from Gregg, on Drudge.
‘I may have embarrassed myself but hopefully not [the president]‘…
Nah, Judd, don’t worry. The President can embarrass himself without your contribution.
And Presidential run?! Who is saying this and are they kidding?! He only just went out and got himself a big boy spine. Let’s not get too carried away…
On February 12th, 2009 at 5:25 pm, sonofdy said:
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????
————————————-
I surely hope so. They’ll have another chance (at least as far as Congress is concerned) in 2010.
I’m torn on this one. Are we better off with guy in the Senate, the Cabinet, or maybe if he went home and stayed there we might be even better off!
Brian,
arlen doesnt have to change parties to win he makes deals with PA state dim party. have explained how too many times here to repeat again, nothing personal.
Partisan politics? The little sock puppet is boldly trying to corrupt the census itself so as to jerrymander power for generations! This is positively Orwellian stuff. Gregg or any American would be crazy to stay in that post! Even loyal liberal Democrats are slack-jawed at the aggressive political malfeasance of this administration and its congressional partners in crime.
Errah, #78 I am wrong all the time . . . so please quote me!!!
Mac,
We are no better/worse off. That said
Steele needs to find a proper GOP to run against him in 2010 and not get behind simply because his bumm occupies seat. YOU HEAR ME MICHAEL?????
Obama is still campaigning. He has yet to learn to govern with any sense of leadership or wisdom that comes with a Love of Country or sense of duty to the Nation. He only knows how to Campaign so that is what he is doing.
He has surrounded himself with some rather vicious partisan types that have nothing but their own best interests at heart.
Senator Gregg got a taste of that and chose his Principles over all else. I salute him for that.
Errah, OMSB thanks! Your last post is all that needs to be said.
http://www.pollingreport.com/CongJob.htm
http://www.pollingreport.com/obama_job.htm
The trend is not good for the dems or obama
Brian Roastbeef: on Judge Dredd’s official statement, pretty much removes any doubt that he is not pulling out because he wants to but because he can’t stand the heat from his own team. Typical GOP senator. We need a new team.
“Judge Dredd” the movie sucked too.
If you’re going to blatantly steal someone else’s words, you should at least give them credit for them, cite a source, put them in quotes or use the blockquote tag.
I was beginning to wonder if someone else got hold of your account until I saw the “you people” at the end and realized you just copy/pasted in an attempt to make yourself appear to be more articulate.
FAIL.
“You People” score: +1
Well, there’s a worthy goal! (/sarc)
Let’s hope Gregg survives this decision, and doesn’t get Vince Fostered!
Salt – Amazing how just one sentence (can we actually call it that?) from Iloathemycountry can give him away. He can’t event type one coherent sentence.
Am I the only one wondering if he is going to join a filibuster to stop the final vote on the stimulus compromise?
So far all he done was to ‘abstain’ since he was going to be a part of the administration. It would have been impossible for him to be in any filibuster attempt, while pending confirmation.
Typically, those who protesteth too much (for instance, by using a nom de plume like I love my country) are being really, really, defensive about their true beliefs. Obama was much more honest about his true feelings about the US when he was just one candidate on the stage among many – before he surged to the front – and refused to either sing the National Anthem or salute the flag.
Did anyone see the nasty look hussein was giving him while he spoke? Currently still on the front page of DRUDGE.
The other choice was to take the job, as you can be sure the next flunkee of a nominee will do.
Worn’t work. Dems still have 61 with the three stooges, if not more now.
I see that “ihatemycountry” is displaying it’s fascist/liberal credentials again.
Repeat after me.
IT’S THE THIRD WORLD THAT HAS TO CREATE JOBS.
America creates jobs one small family at a time.
gonna have to copy that statement!
copyright
I keep seeing people talk about “wait until 2010″. Doesn’t anyone realize that come 2010 who wins the election won’t make a difference? Liberals are smart enough that they’ve cooked our goose with this bill and the soon to follow TARP II.
When this Pork=U_Less passes, America is DONE. Undoing this mess would be like putting toothpaste back in the tube. It ain’t gonna happen! You might get a bit back in the tube, but most of it is going down the drain.
For the life of me I don’t understand why the GOP isn’t out in force, newspapers, web, TV, and whatever media they can get – screaming about the $78 billion that already simply “disappeared” into a black hole never to be seen again. Why aren’t they yelling from the roof tops about Reid’s light rail and Pelosi’s wet lands? Why aren’t they pointing out all the government buildings getting refurbished in DC – with jobs only going to those in unionized construction companies in and about the DC area? Why aren’t they laying down in the road over the Medical spy act thrown in?
I thought these people worked for us – yet we are the only ones yelling and basically we are yelling at each other – singing to the choir.
Translation: I’m a Republican. My taxes are paid!
In my entire life I have never seen an administration melt down so fast.
Better?
Gregg is also not running for re-election in 2010.
Oh dear, eagle pooped again.
One less sell out! However, I sincerely doubt the Senate Repubs will grow the minerals for a fillibuster. Come on guys.. Prove me wrong.
You got that right.
Not going to get carried away, but as a NH boy in exile, I’m glad Gregg did this.
It’s certainly better than if he had not done this.
Because he’s a rino, and they don’t deserve to be capitalized.
DecapitatedDisrespected, yes, capitalized, no.rightisright: If anyone doubts Grgg is a rino, they only need to read his statement. He fawns over Obama, pledges to help him get his agenda through Congress and thanks the NH Dem governor. Nothing about Republicans or principles. Just another McCain clone.
This is similar to communist/socialist front groups naming themselves things like “People for the American Way” or the “American Civil Liberties Union.” They’re just hoping that some schnook who doesn’t bother to read the manifesto will send them money.
Maybe conservatives should try that? We should start a group called Support Obama’s Socialism and see how many dollars we can get donated. Then we give it to groups that Obama hates.
Heard a caller this afternoon on a local talk show(LarsLarson) here in Orygun, Caterpillar will not be making engines any longer do to the “Green” in the stimulus bill. Now, how does that stimulate the economy?. How many jobs is that going to cost. Dumb a$$ liberals.
Maybe not. ABC News just reported that Caterpillar’s CEO has refuted Obama’s statements about rehiring the 20,000 recently laid off. There will further layoffs regardless of porkulus.
http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2009/02/doh-caterpillar.html
He should have took the job and then sued the duh1 over the census issue if he was so “principled”. But he’s not principled so back to his RINO senate seat he scurries.
At least it was more mud on duh1.
Money quote from the ABC News link above:
“Owens supports the stimulus plan, but said it would take some time to have an impact on his industry and “is a little light on the heavy construction.”" (emphasis added)
A little light on the HEAVY construction?!? I thought this was an infrastructure bill? Isn’t that heavy construction? You know bridges, highways, power plants… Obama must be talking about solar panels, wind mills, bike paths, sidewalks and bird feeders.
There seems to be a whole new English language being introduced. I can read and hear the English being spoken but apparently, we have a problem with word definitions. Was there a new dictionary released without my permission?
Dude….watch FOX right now.
Al Gore is on.
Al Gore on Fox? “The Savior” news clips wall-to-wall and the High Priest of the Church of Global Warming Retards on Fox! What a country!
Look! A unicorn!
Well, Rosario Dawson, whoever that is, just told me that the science was decided on global warming. Apparently, it is humans that control the temperature of the earth, not the sun.
This is one of the funniest things I’ve ever seen on Fox.
Comedy gold.
*Spotted Owl Bore has come out of hibernation; Hey Fat Man: It’s the sun, stupid!
Global warming is the most dominant theme permeating porkulus. I have heard several people today on Bloomberg and elsewhere referring to porkulus as the first 2% downpayment to save Mother Earth. I’m waiting for Obama, Gore, Gingrich and Bush to appear in Druid robes any day now. The age of reason is dead. It is back to the dark ages of myth and superstition.
Our entrenched criminal class of elites have metamorphosized into demi-gods who are now channeling the will of Mother Earth to us mere mortals.
I am always amazed when I hear someone condemn Christianity as myth and then turn around and talk about the “fact” of global warming.
It takes a lot more faith to accept the “science” of global warming than to be an evangelical Christian.
…and at the same time, showing its intellect.
Thank you for articulating exactly my opinion of Porkulus Maximus and the morally bankrupt scumbags who authored it.
Shovel-ready doncha know….
The only shoveling I have seen regarding this socialism is the amount of money they are shoveling into left causes, and all the shoveling of shite the supporters have been doing.
will.i.am wants the gubmint to tax what we burn.
Let’s burn down Al Gore’s
housemansion. Tax him for warming the Earth.For those wanting a conservative sugar daddy a la Soros – there aren’t any.
Super-rich people with huge amounts of money to spend on pushing their agendas tend to be the kind who believe they should dictate how the world runs. You won’t find many people spending their money and influence and pitting it against the system that’s provided them with money and influence.
If they don’t believe in anyone being control freaks, why would they go out and basically become one?
I forgot to point out that McCain is also on board when it comes to global warming. Can’t be left out of the new “priesthood”. It’s another of those exclusive clubs that senators crave.
Pat him on the back good and hard, but stop right there. No need to cast those pearls…
Joy…that picture of
sweet Obama looks pretty mean…but honestly i’ve seen that kind of look directed at me by libs … especially when they think they can dictate what they want.
It almost like Obama is thinking “…you worthless bastard..”
Sounds good to me.
With the Democrats and mindless Rinos owning this pig, I can say it’s starting to shape up to be a pretty good year so far! Gonna be rough in the back pocket, but we gotta start somewhere in building the foundation back.
Michelle M: Can we get a higher quality group of liberal posters?
I may not agree with what they have to say, but they should be able to contribute. If they really intend to contribute.
The rest of us shouldn’t have to lose IQ points from reading dumb ass posts, is all.
PrezMcWhizzy.50 and his “Braintrust”
Hey, it’s like grapenuts-
no brains and no trust.
************
BTW, I’m putting a
“Waterboarding Works”
sticker on my Nissan tomorrow.
Pray safety for my lowrider!!
The only heavy construction the Democrats are interested in is building their voter base and their control of the government.
Gorebull warming is about hating humanity and wanting to oppress and control humans.
How many years have we been back on a cooling trend now? That the climate has varried since the dawn of the world is something simply beyond the brain cells of leftists. In the 70s these same nuts wanted to melt the icecaps because of Global Freezing fears. Lunatics, one and all.
varied… i spel gud most of the time.
A corrupt government loves to create “emergencies”, then pass laws to “counter” those “emergencies”. You see that throughout world history. The net result is more power and control by the politicians. The citizens are fooled into believing in them. The Nazis did it, the Soviets did it, and, recently, even Chavez did it (the U.S. is going to invade us!). Obama wants to run the U.S. his way; the new Castro. Global warming is a tool to get him there, along with the other corrupt politicians in D.C.. Plus, don’t forget those that see profit in more grant money, books and interviews. They will continue (like Gore) until the money dries up, then move on to another “cause”.
Notice how Gullible Warming is such an immediate mighty global cause that it diminishes and overshadows (belittles?) all our effort and progress and accomplishes in Iraq? Same happened back during Nam with “Earth Day”, remember? What’s a puny terrorist or human enemy compared to “saving the (whole) planet”? Saving penguins and polar bears is more noble than losing lives in deserts securing energy sources and freeing millions of women from a cave-man mentality. That’s the earful our kids are getting in school.
James Greenidge
Queens, NY
New Jersey Senator Menendez says “Republicans should fear 2010″.
I hope he is speaking out his sphincter, but since the Demonrats already have a filibuster proof majority (58, soon to be 59 Dems and 3 reliably unreliable RINOs) I don’t know how it could get worse.
My first thought when I heard the news, “Maybe he’s had a conservative epiphany?”
Bottom line, I’m applauding him for having come to his senses. The census stuff has me quaking in my American conservative boots.
Obama has a vetting process? Seriously? You mean they vetted Geithner, Daschle and Solis? Is Barney Fife in charge of the “vetting process?”
Is Barney Fife in charge of the “vetting process?”
I believe it is Barney Frank in charge. The next candidates up for possible cabinet posts have to look at possible contract issues with their current popular TV show, The Teletubies.
Thank God somebody is doing the right thing.
If only The Three Stooges would follow his lead.
Yep. That’s how communists always get a foothold. They wait for the country to get in a weakened position and the masses panic.
Like the People’s Democratic Republic of Korea. The people get no say and it is neither a democracy nor a republic. It is Korea, but more closely resembles h311!
TooMuchTime: The acroynm for that organization you propose would be quite fitting — SOS