Erroll Southers, President Obama's nominee to lead the Transportation Security Administration, has withdrawn his name from consideration.
Southers' nomination had faced fierce opposition from Republicans, even as the leaderless TSA came under fire in light of security snafus related to the botched Christmas Day bombing attempt of a Northwest jet as it was about to land in Detroit.
The agency has been without an administrator for about a year.
"I was extremely excited about the opportunity to lead the Transportation Security Administration and fulfill Secretary Napolitano's objective to develop it into the best organization of its kind in the world," Southers said in a statement released by the White House on Wednesday morning.
"However, it is apparent that this path has been obstructed by political ideology. I have decided, after deep reflection and in consultation with my family and friends, to respectfully withdraw my name from consideration for confirmation as the assistant secretary for the TSA.
"It is clear that my nomination has become a lightning rod for those who have chosen to push a political agenda at the risk of the safety and security of the American people," Southers said. "This partisan climate is unacceptable and I refuse to allow myself to remain part of their dialogue.
"The TSA has important work to be done and I regret I will not be part of their success. I would like to thank the President, Secretary Napolitano and all of the people at the Department of Homeland Security who worked tirelessly to successfully move my nomination through two Senate committees during the past seven months."
