Job Opening

TSA Nominee Withdraws

Erroll Southers cites foes’ “political agenda.”

Erroll Southers, the Obama administration's choice to lead the Transportation Security Administration, withdrew his name on Wednesday. The confirmation had been marred by questions about the background checks Southers ran on his then-estranged wife's boyfriend two decades ago. Republican Sen. Jim DeMint also blocked Southers' confirmation over worries that Southers would allow TSA employees to collectively bargain with the government. In his statement withdrawing his name from consideration, Southers said, "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." The White House said Obama reluctantly accepted Southers' withdrawal. No word yet on when Obama will nominate the next candidate, or who it will be, although The Washington Post suggests that Acting Administrator Gale Rossides may be in the running.