Judd Gregg says no to Commerce job

If Leslie Nielsen were the umpire (like he was in Naked Gun), he'd be yelling out, "Steeeeerike two." Followed by some breakdancing.

Another Commerce Secretary-designee. Another withdrawal.

Irresolvable conflicts

Senator Judd Gregg will not be the next Secretary of Commerce. He withdrew his nomination today citing "irresolvable conflicts" on the stimulus package and the Census.

"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," Sen. Gregg said in a statement.

“Obviously the President requires a team that is fully supportive of all his initiatives," he said.

Of course, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson was the first nominee for the Commerce spot. But that fell through because of to a federal investigation over state contracts.

UPDATE:

Obama Press Secretary Robert Gibbs just released a statement:

“Senator Gregg reached out to the President and offered his name for Secretary of Commerce. He was very clear throughout the interviewing process that despite past disagreements about policies, he would support, embrace, and move forward with the President’s agenda. Once it became clear after his nomination that Senator Gregg was not going to be supporting some of President Obama’s key economic priorities, it became necessary for Senator Gregg and the Obama administration to part ways. We regret that he has had a change of heart”.