WaPo:
President Bush's pick to head the Consumer Product Safety Commission withdrew his nomination Wednesday amid strong opposition from some Senate Democrats because of his career as a manufacturers' lobbyist.
The White House said it was reluctantly accepting the decision by Michael Baroody after "some members in the Senate rushed to judgment."[..]
Democrats also had raised questions about a $150,000 payment that Baroody would have received from the manufacturers' lobbying group when he left.[..]
"The president selected Mr. Baroody to serve in this position because of his strong commitment to protecting American consumers, his impressive leadership record and extensive public service," the White House said in a statement. "We are disappointed he will not have the opportunity to strengthen the CPSC's ability to protect American consumers."
Of course, the last time a White House nominee withdrew his nomination, he showed up as a recess appointment. Let's see what happens this time.
