Contact: Andrea Wuebker/Laena Fallon (GREGG)
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.”
STATEMENT
FROM PRESS SECRETARY ROBERT GIBBS
“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”.